Colts' Alec Pierce Reacts to Sauce Gardner's Successful Campaign to Keep WR

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce discusses his new contract and Sauce Gardner's playful attempt to keep him in Indy.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 3:49am

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Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce recently signed a four-year, $116 million contract to remain with the team, despite interest from other NFL franchises. Pierce acknowledged that he explored free agency but ultimately decided to re-sign with the Colts, in part due to his close relationship with cornerback Sauce Gardner. In a lighthearted exchange, Gardner joked on social media about holding Pierce hostage in his basement to force him to sign the contract. Pierce played along, quipping that he had been in Gardner's basement for the past few weeks working on his golf game.

Why it matters

The Colts' ability to retain key offensive weapons like Alec Pierce is crucial as they look to build on a strong start to the 2025 season and end their five-year playoff drought. Pierce's decision to stay in Indianapolis, despite interest from other teams, speaks to the team's promising future and the strong bonds between players like Pierce and Gardner.

The details

Alec Pierce, a 25-year-old wide receiver, recently signed a four-year, $116 million contract to remain with the Indianapolis Colts. Pierce admitted that he explored free agency but ultimately decided to re-sign with the Colts, in part due to his close relationship with cornerback Sauce Gardner. In a lighthearted exchange on social media, Gardner joked about holding Pierce hostage in his basement to force him to sign the contract. Pierce played along, quipping that he had been in Gardner's basement for the past few weeks working on his golf game.

  • Alec Pierce signed his four-year, $116 million contract with the Indianapolis Colts in March 2026.

The players

Alec Pierce

A 25-year-old wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts who recently signed a four-year, $116 million contract to remain with the team.

Sauce Gardner

A cornerback for the Indianapolis Colts who jokingly threatened to hold Alec Pierce hostage in his basement to force him to sign a contract with the team.

Daniel Jones

The quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts, who also recently re-signed with the team.

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What they’re saying

“Should I lock Alec Pierce in my basement and force him to sign the contract papers?”

— Sauce Gardner (X)

“I've been in there (basement) for the past two or three weeks. He has a golf simulator, so I've been working on the game a little bit, but other than that, it's good to see some sunlight.”

— Alec Pierce (clutchpoints.com)

“I believe in what we have going on here. I believe in our team. I believe in the players we have in place. I know we didn't finish the way we wanted to finish, but I think I'm able to look back on that and look at how we were playing and know we can be the best team in the NFL.”

— Alec Pierce (FOX59)

What’s next

The Colts will look to build on their strong start to the 2025 season and end their five-year playoff drought in the upcoming 2026 NFL season.

The takeaway

The Colts' ability to retain key offensive weapons like Alec Pierce, despite interest from other teams, speaks to the team's promising future and the strong bonds between players. Pierce's decision to stay in Indianapolis, along with the return of quarterback Daniel Jones, gives the Colts a solid foundation to potentially become one of the best teams in the NFL.