Colts Face Steep Price to Re-Sign Star Receiver Alec Pierce

NFL insiders predict Pierce could command $30 million per year on the open market.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Indianapolis Colts are hoping to re-sign star wide receiver Alec Pierce before he hits free agency, but NFL insiders say it could cost them a hefty price tag of over $30 million per year to keep him. With several teams reportedly interested in Pierce, the Colts may face stiff competition to retain the talented young receiver.

Why it matters

Keeping Pierce is a top priority for the Colts, as he emerged as one of the league's most productive young receivers last season. However, the high cost to re-sign him could force the team to make difficult decisions about their roster and salary cap management.

The details

According to NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe, Pierce could command "eye-popping" contract values on the open market, potentially reaching over $30 million per year. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler also reports that Pierce is "poised to make at least $27 million per year on a new deal." Teams like the Patriots, Raiders, Washington, and Titans are all said to be interested in signing Pierce if he reaches free agency.

  • The NFL's legal tampering period begins on Monday, March 13, 2026.

The players

Alec Pierce

A talented young wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts who is set to become a free agent.

Chris Ballard

The general manager of the Indianapolis Colts who is trying to re-sign Alec Pierce before he hits the open market.

Daniel Jones

The quarterback the Colts were reportedly trying to sign, which could have allowed them to use the franchise tag on Alec Pierce.

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What they’re saying

“The Colts are trying to re-sign him before he reaches free agency. They value him quite a bit, but he's a big ticket target, who, from people I talk to, if he hits the market, could reach $30-plus million a year as a wide receiver.”

— Cameron Wolfe, NFL Network Reporter (NFL Network)

“Alec Pierce is poised to make at least $27 million per year on a new deal.”

— Jeremy Fowler, ESPN Reporter (ESPN)

What’s next

The Colts will have until Monday, March 13, 2026, to try and reach a new contract agreement with Alec Pierce before he hits the open market.

The takeaway

Retaining Alec Pierce will be a major challenge for the Colts, as the young receiver is poised to command a massive contract on the open market. The team's ability to keep him will have significant implications for their salary cap and roster construction moving forward.