Colts' Alec Pierce Linked to Super Bowl Team in Free Agency

Wide receiver could leave Indianapolis for New England Patriots

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Indianapolis Colts star wide receiver Alec Pierce has become a free agent after the team placed the transition tag on Daniel Jones. According to reports, the New England Patriots are expected to make a big push to sign Pierce, who has led the league in yards per reception in consecutive seasons.

Why it matters

The potential loss of Pierce would be a major blow to the Colts' offense, as he has been one of their top playmakers. The Patriots, on the other hand, are looking to bolster their receiving corps after cutting ties with Stefon Diggs earlier this week.

The details

Pierce has averaged 21.3 yards per catch over the past two seasons, showcasing his big-play ability. However, he's also caught passes from nine different quarterbacks in just four years in the league, leading to speculation that he may be interested in joining a more stable situation with the Patriots and quarterback Drake Maye.

  • Colts placed the transition tag on Daniel Jones on March 6, 2026, making Pierce a free agent.

The players

Alec Pierce

A star wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts who has led the league in yards per reception in consecutive seasons.

Chris Ballard

The general manager of the Indianapolis Colts, who will have to be aggressive to keep Pierce from joining the Patriots.

Tony Pauline

An NFL insider who reported that the New England Patriots are expected to make a big push to sign Alec Pierce in free agency.

Drake Maye

The quarterback for the New England Patriots, who could benefit from having a big-play specialist like Alec Pierce in the receiving corps.

Stefon Diggs

A wide receiver who was recently cut by the New England Patriots, creating a need at the position that Pierce could fill.

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What they’re saying

“In the past few hours, I also learned the New England Patriots are hot for Pierce and are expected to make a big push for the wideout.”

— Tony Pauline, NFL Insider (Newsweek)

“Just yesterday, the team cut Stefon Diggs, and they've displayed little interest in Mike Evans. Which brings us to the team that was projected to aim for Evans but has changed its mind lately.”

— Tony Pauline, NFL Insider (Newsweek)

What’s next

The Colts will have to work quickly to try to re-sign Alec Pierce before the Patriots or other teams can make a serious offer. The Patriots' interest in Pierce could also impact their pursuit of other free agent wide receivers like Mike Evans.

The takeaway

This story highlights the high-stakes nature of free agency in the NFL, as teams compete to sign top talent like Alec Pierce. The Colts' ability to retain their star wide receiver could have major implications for their offense next season, while the Patriots' pursuit of Pierce could reshape their receiving corps and their Super Bowl aspirations.