49ers Receive Major Warning Over Colts' Alec Pierce

Insider says 49ers should avoid signing Colts WR Alec Pierce in free agency despite his big-play ability.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The San Francisco 49ers have a need at wide receiver this offseason, with Jauan Jennings potentially leaving in free agency and Brandon Aiyuk likely being cut. One potential target is Indianapolis Colts wideout Alec Pierce, who had a breakout 2025 season. However, 49ers insider Grant Cohn warns the team should avoid signing Pierce, arguing he is more of a complementary No. 2 receiver rather than a true No. 1 option they need. Meanwhile, another 49ers insider, Matt Maiocco, believes Pierce would be an ideal target for the team due to his size, speed, and big-play ability.

Why it matters

The 49ers have a significant need to upgrade their receiving corps this offseason, and the decision on whether to pursue Alec Pierce could have major implications for their offensive production and success in 2026. The debate between the two 49ers insiders highlights the tradeoffs the team must weigh in free agency between targeting a high-upside but potentially limited player like Pierce versus a true No. 1 receiver that could transform their passing attack.

The details

The 49ers are projected to have around $41 million in salary cap space this offseason. With Jauan Jennings potentially leaving in free agency and Brandon Aiyuk likely being cut, the team has a major need at wide receiver. Colts wideout Alec Pierce, who is 25 years old, is one potential free agent target after a breakout 2025 season where he had 47 catches for 1,003 yards and 6 touchdowns. However, 49ers insider Grant Cohn argues the team should avoid signing Pierce, as he sees him more as a complementary No. 2 receiver rather than the true No. 1 option the 49ers need. Cohn believes the 49ers should instead focus their resources on upgrading the offensive line and pursuing elite receivers like AJ Brown or Justin Jefferson. Meanwhile, another 49ers insider, Matt Maiocco, believes Pierce would be an ideal target due to his size, speed, and big-play ability, which could provide the offensive spark the 49ers need.

  • The 49ers are projected to have around $41 million in salary cap space this offseason.
  • Alec Pierce had 47 catches for 1,003 yards and 6 touchdowns in the 2025 season.

The players

Alec Pierce

A 25-year-old wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts who had a breakout 2025 season, posting 47 catches for 1,003 yards and 6 touchdowns.

Grant Cohn

A 49ers insider who warns the team should avoid signing Alec Pierce in free agency, arguing he is more of a complementary No. 2 receiver rather than the true No. 1 option they need.

Matt Maiocco

A 49ers insider who believes Alec Pierce would be an ideal free agent target for the team due to his size, speed, and big-play ability.

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What they’re saying

“Unlike Jennings, Pierce is fast and young. He's only 25. Last season, he averaged 21.3 yards per catch. He's one of the best deep threats in the NFL, and he's going to cost roughly $20 million per season. And the 49ers shouldn't give it to him.”

— Grant Cohn, 49ers Insider (SI)

“The player that I would keep an eye on from the free‑agent market is scheduled to hit the market and probably will not be designated as a franchise player by his team, and that is Alec Pierce from the Indianapolis Colts.”

— Matt Maiocco, 49ers Insider (NBC Sports Bay Area)

“The ability to stretch the field, the ability to make big plays. I also think that the quarterback situation with the Colts has kind of limited what Alec Pierce can do.”

— Matt Maiocco, 49ers Insider (NBC Sports Bay Area)

The takeaway

The 49ers face a key decision on whether to pursue Alec Pierce in free agency, with conflicting opinions from team insiders on whether he would be the right fit. The debate highlights the tradeoffs the 49ers must weigh between targeting a high-upside but potentially limited player versus a true No. 1 receiver who could transform their passing attack.