Top NFL Teams Pursuing $27 Million Free Agent WR

Alec Pierce could be the top wide receiver available on the open market this offseason.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Several top NFL teams, including the New England Patriots, Las Vegas Raiders, Washington Commanders, and Tennessee Titans, are all reportedly interested in signing free agent wide receiver Alec Pierce, who is expected to command a contract worth at least $27 million per year. Pierce, who has averaged over 21 yards per catch over the past two seasons, is a big-play specialist that the Indianapolis Colts are hoping to re-sign, but his high-priced market may price them out.

Why it matters

The race to sign Alec Pierce highlights the premium NFL teams place on elite wide receiver talent, especially those who can stretch the field vertically. Pierce's combination of size, speed, and big-play ability make him a highly coveted free agent, and his potential departure from the Colts would be a significant loss for the team's passing attack.

The details

Alec Pierce, a 25-year-old wide receiver, is coming off two impressive seasons with the Indianapolis Colts where he averaged over 21 yards per catch. In 2024, he had 37 receptions for 824 yards, and in 2025 he had 47 catches for 1,003 yards. While not a high-volume possession receiver, Pierce has proven to be a dynamic big-play threat that has attracted the interest of several top NFL teams in free agency. The Colts are hoping to retain Pierce, but his expected $27 million per year price tag may be too steep for them to match against the deep-pocketed competition.

  • Alec Pierce is set to become an unrestricted free agent on March 15, 2026.

The players

Alec Pierce

A 25-year-old wide receiver who has averaged over 21 yards per catch over the past two seasons with the Indianapolis Colts.

New England Patriots

An NFL team that is reportedly interested in signing Alec Pierce in free agency.

Las Vegas Raiders

An NFL team that is reportedly interested in signing Alec Pierce in free agency.

Washington Commanders

An NFL team that is reportedly interested in signing Alec Pierce in free agency.

Tennessee Titans

An NFL team that is reportedly interested in signing Alec Pierce in free agency.

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What they’re saying

“Expect negotiations between Alec Pierce and the Colts to go down to the wire as the team tries to keep him off Monday's open market. 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, ESPN Reporter (ESPN)

“What helps Indy's case is that Pierce is close with Colts quarterback Daniel Jones and, if everything is equal, would like to stay in Indianapolis. There's still hope for Indy, but Pierce's market will dictate his direction. His upside and penchant for chunk yardage are attractive to teams.”

— Jeremy Fowler, ESPN Reporter (ESPN)

What’s next

The Colts will have until March 15th to try to re-sign Alec Pierce before he hits the open market, where a bidding war is expected to ensue between several top NFL teams.

The takeaway

The race to sign Alec Pierce highlights the premium NFL teams place on elite wide receiver talent, especially those who can stretch the field vertically. His combination of size, speed, and big-play ability make him a highly coveted free agent, and his potential departure from the Colts would be a significant loss for their passing attack.