Colts Sign WR Alec Pierce to Record-Setting $116M Contract

The 4-year deal makes Pierce the highest-paid free agent wide receiver in NFL history.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Indianapolis Colts have signed wide receiver Alec Pierce to a 4-year, $116 million contract, making him the highest-paid free agent wide receiver in NFL history. The deal includes $84 million in guarantees, with $60 million fully guaranteed at signing. Pierce is coming off a career-best 2025 season where he caught 47 passes for 1,003 yards and 6 touchdowns.

Why it matters

Retaining Pierce was a top priority for the Colts, as he has emerged as one of the league's premier deep threats over the past two seasons. The record-setting contract underscores his value to the franchise and their commitment to building around quarterback Daniel Jones.

The details

The 25-year-old Pierce was approaching free agency after the Colts used the transition tag on Jones, creating uncertainty about his future in Indianapolis. However, the two sides were able to reach a long-term agreement that will keep the explosive playmaker with the team that drafted him in the 2nd round out of Cincinnati in 2022. Over his first 64 NFL games, Pierce has totaled 157 receptions for 2,934 yards and 17 touchdowns, leading the Colts in receiving yards in each of the past two seasons.

  • Pierce confirmed the agreement on social media on March 9, 2026.
  • The Colts acknowledged the signing without releasing financial details on March 9, 2026.

The players

Alec Pierce

A 25-year-old wide receiver who was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the 2nd round out of the University of Cincinnati in 2022.

Daniel Jones

The Colts' quarterback, who the team used the transition tag on, creating uncertainty about Pierce's future in Indianapolis.

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What they’re saying

“I knew where my heart was. I knew I love the city of Indianapolis. Just seeing where we were at last year, early in the year, we were rolling. I truly believed we were the No. 1 team in the NFL. Obviously, didn't finish out the season like we should have, but I think we can get back to where we were. I believe in Daniel [Jones], I know they're gonna get his deal done and lock him down. I think we can be special.”

— Alec Pierce (The Pat McAfee Show)

What’s next

The Colts will now focus on finalizing a long-term contract extension with quarterback Daniel Jones, who was hit with the transition tag this offseason.

The takeaway

The Colts' decision to make Alec Pierce the highest-paid free agent wide receiver in NFL history underscores his importance to the franchise and their commitment to building a championship-caliber roster around quarterback Daniel Jones.