Colts' Sauce Gardner Celebrates Team's Big Signing

Indianapolis cornerback Sauce Gardner reacts to the Colts re-signing wide receiver Alec Pierce to a lucrative contract.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Indianapolis Colts star defensive back Sauce Gardner openly celebrated his team's big move to open NFL free agency, as the Colts re-signed wide receiver Alec Pierce to a four-year, $116 million contract. Gardner had previously joked about locking Pierce in his basement to force him to sign the deal, and he expressed his happiness on social media once the contract was finalized.

Why it matters

The Colts' signing of Pierce is a significant move, as he has emerged as one of the league's top deep-threat receivers over the past few seasons. His continued presence in the Colts' offense will be crucial as the team looks to build around quarterback Daniel Jones, who is currently in contract negotiations with the team.

The details

The Colts traded for cornerback Sauce Gardner at the November 4 deadline, sending two first-round picks to the New York Jets in exchange for the two-time All-Pro. The Colts have been active in free agency, with the Pierce signing being the latest big move. Pierce, 25, led the NFL in yards per reception in 2024 and 2025, and he posted his first 1,000-yard receiving season last year.

  • The NFL's free agency period opened at 12 p.m. EST on March 13, 2026.
  • The Colts and wide receiver Alec Pierce agreed to a four-year, $116 million contract on March 13, 2026.

The players

Sauce Gardner

A star defensive back for the Indianapolis Colts who was acquired in a trade with the New York Jets prior to the 2025 season.

Alec Pierce

A wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts who has emerged as one of the league's top deep-threat receivers over the past few seasons.

Daniel Jones

The Colts' starting quarterback, who is currently in contract negotiations with the team after suffering a torn Achilles in December 2025.

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What they’re saying

“It worked chat.”

— Sauce Gardner (X (formerly Twitter)

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

— Sauce Gardner (X (formerly Twitter)

What’s next

The Colts' priority moving forward will be to lock up quarterback Daniel Jones to a long-term contract. If the Colts can't do that, or if Jones doesn't sign an offer sheet with another team, he will play in Indy on the one-year, $37.83 million transition tag in 2026.

The takeaway

The Colts' signing of Alec Pierce to a lucrative contract extension is a clear sign of their commitment to building a strong offense around quarterback Daniel Jones. With Pierce and Sauce Gardner now locked in, the Colts are poised to be a force in the AFC for years to come.