Raiders Advised to Prioritize Offensive Line Over Pursuing Colts' Alec Pierce

Las Vegas Raiders face a tough decision on whether to spend big on a wide receiver or focus on strengthening the offensive line in free agency.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 10:31pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Las Vegas Raiders have the second-most cap space this offseason and are expected to target a wide receiver, with Indianapolis Colts' Alec Pierce being a potential option. However, The Athletic's Ted Nguyen believes the Raiders' sole focus in free agency should be on improving the offensive line, rather than spending big on a "flash-type signing" like Pierce. The Raiders could also see a boost in production from running back Ashton Jeanty if the offensive line is improved.

Why it matters

The Raiders are in a crucial offseason as they look to build around their likely future franchise quarterback, Fernando Mendoza. Strengthening the offensive line could have a bigger impact on the team's success than signing a high-priced wide receiver, especially with a talented running back like Jeanty already on the roster.

The details

The Raiders have the second-most cap space this offseason and are expected to target a wide receiver, with Colts' Alec Pierce being a potential option. However, The Athletic's Ted Nguyen believes the Raiders should focus on improving the offensive line rather than spending big on a wide receiver. Nguyen suggests the Raiders should "not waste money on flash-type signings" and instead use the money to "solidify the line". Running back Ashton Jeanty had over 1,300 scrimmage yards and 10 touchdowns last season despite the Raiders' offensive line struggles, leading to speculation that his production could surge with an improved line.

  • The Raiders are expected to select Fernando Mendoza, their likely future franchise quarterback, in the 2026 NFL Draft.
  • Alec Pierce will be a free agent this offseason after spending the first four seasons of his career with the Indianapolis Colts.

The players

Alec Pierce

A wide receiver who has played the last four seasons for the Indianapolis Colts, recording 157 catches for 2,934 yards and 17 touchdowns.

Ashton Jeanty

A running back for the Las Vegas Raiders who had over 1,300 scrimmage yards and 10 touchdowns in the 2025 season despite the team's offensive line struggles.

Fernando Mendoza

The likely future franchise quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders, who they are expected to select in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I think they still should not waste money on flash-type signings, but using money on the offensive line and solidifying the line to me is money well spent.”

— Ted Nguyen, Analyst, The Athletic (Just Win Podcast)

“You have to find a way to find a coach that's creative enough to get him in space and to get him running like Christian McCaffrey does, like Kyle Shannon does with Christian McCaffrey.”

— Maurice Jones-Drew, Former NFL Running Back (89 with Steve Smith and James Palmer)

What’s next

The Raiders will have to decide how to allocate their significant cap space this offseason, with the offensive line and wide receiver positions being two key areas of focus.

The takeaway

The Raiders face a crucial offseason as they look to build around their likely future franchise quarterback. While adding a top wide receiver like Alec Pierce may be tempting, the team's best path forward may be to prioritize strengthening the offensive line, which could have a bigger impact on the team's success and unlock the full potential of talented players like Ashton Jeanty.