Patriots Emerge as Top Suitor for Colts WR Alec Pierce

New England looks to bolster receiving corps with potential big-money signing of young Colts standout.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The New England Patriots are expected to be a leading contender to sign free agent wide receiver Alec Pierce from the Indianapolis Colts. Pierce, a 2022 second-round draft pick, is coming off a strong sophomore season and is projected to command a lucrative multi-year contract worth around $27 million per year on the open market. The Patriots, who recently released top wideout Stefon Diggs, have a clear need at the position and are flush with over $57 million in salary cap space to make a competitive offer to Pierce.

Why it matters

Signing Alec Pierce would be a major coup for the Patriots as they look to reload their receiving corps and provide young quarterback Drake Maye with a dynamic playmaker on the outside. Pierce's size, speed, and production make him one of the most coveted free agents this offseason, and landing him would be a significant boost to New England's offense as they aim to build on their Super Bowl LX appearance.

The details

Pierce, who stands at 6'3" and 211 pounds, is coming off a 2022 season in which he caught 57 passes for 913 yards and 8 touchdowns. His combination of size, athleticism, and big-play ability has made him a hot commodity, with the Patriots, Commanders, Raiders, and Titans all expected to be in the mix for his services. The Patriots have the cap space and need to make a strong push to sign Pierce, who has expressed a desire for stability at quarterback and a winning culture - two things New England can offer.

  • The NFL's free agency negotiation window opens on March 9 at noon EST.
  • The Patriots released former No. 1 wide receiver Stefon Diggs earlier this offseason.

The players

Alec Pierce

A 25-year-old wide receiver who was originally selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. In his two seasons with the Colts, he has accumulated 2,934 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns on 157 receptions.

Mike Vrabel

The head coach of the New England Patriots, who is looking to bolster his receiving corps this offseason.

Drake Maye

The Patriots' young quarterback, who could benefit greatly from the addition of a dynamic wide receiver like Alec Pierce.

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What they’re saying

“That's going to be a challenge. Pierce appears poised to make at least $27 million per year on a new deal. The Patriots, Commanders, Raiders and Titans are among teams in the mix.”

— Jeremy Fowler, NFL Insider (ESPN)

“Definitely quarterback play, and stability in a franchise. Winning culture. Things like that, I'd say, are probably the most important.”

— Alec Pierce (98.5)

What’s next

The Patriots will need to move quickly to negotiate a contract with Alec Pierce before the start of free agency on March 9. If they are able to sign him, it would be a major boost to their offense and their chances of returning to the Super Bowl.

The takeaway

The Patriots' pursuit of Alec Pierce highlights their commitment to surrounding young quarterback Drake Maye with top-tier talent at the skill positions. Signing Pierce would give the Patriots a dynamic receiving threat to complement their strong running game and provide stability at the wide receiver position, which has been a need for the team in recent years.