Reflection is important for change. One can’t improve unless they properly assess where they failed. After a year of adversity and failure, Aaron Glenn has tried to step up to the challenge. While going 3-14 in his first season as head coach, things have certainly changed. Now taking over defensive play calling, he opted to bring in veteran coordinator Frank Reich to run the offense. Since the Jets finished with a league-worst 140 passing yards/game, New York added some experienced minds to the coaching staff. A duo of Frank Reich and new quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave will certainly help. However, the team will need the right quarterback to lead them. In addition, while they have depth, the wide receiver room needs a reliable running mate alongside star Garrett Wilson.
Thankfully, there’s a player on the market who’d be a great fit. After spending his entire career with the Indianapolis Colts, one of their top wide receivers is heading into free agency. The Colts will do everything in their power to retain him. But, Alec Pierce is going to have a lot of interest in his services. Despite their poor record, the recent changes from New York could make the Jets appealing to Pierce.
Jets could target free-agent wide receiver Alec Pierce
General manager Darren Mougey has ample opportunity to make improvements to New York’s roster. Ideally, a significant push will be made to improve their defense. Outside of the Dallas Cowboys, the New York Jets had the worst defense in the league last year. Averaging nearly 30 points allowed per game, the team must invest in its defensive line, linebacker room, and safety. Fortunately, they have four picks within the top 45 of the NFL Draft this spring. Not to mention a top-five cap space in the league with nearly $90 million available. However, that’s only one side of the ball. What about the offense?
A Danny Dime to Alec Pierce!
HOUvsIND on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/u2q5bEM5FO
— NFL (@NFL) November 30, 2025
It’s no secret that New York will be moving on from Justin Fields in exchange for a new starting quarterback. Along with a tough 2025 season, the Jets hiring of Frank Reich indicates New York will likely opt for a traditional pocket passer instead of a dual threat like Fields. However, a quarterback change alone won’t solve everything. The fanbase has longed to find a proper partner in crime to pair with Garrett Wilson. Recent mock drafts shown New York potentially taking USC Trojan Makai Lemon or Arizona State‘s Jordan Tyson with the 16th overall pick. While either would be a fine addition, it’s not out of the question for them to double-dip on defense. After all, while adding linebacker Arvell Reese or edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. alone will help, investing more in the defense can pay off long-term.
Alec Pierce became the Colts most underrated wide receiver
In 2022, during Frank Reich’s fifth season as head coach, the Colts drafted wide receiver Alec Pierce in the second round. A graduate from the University of Cincinnati, Pierce had a breakout senior season with 884 yards on 52 catches with eight touchdowns. Due to circumstances outside his control, it was a quiet rookie season for Pierce. The firing of Reich mid-season in exchange for widely respected but inexperienced Jeff Saturday in the midst of a turbulent season for Indianapolis. However, after the hiring of Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Shane Steichen, Pierce started to come into his own.
In 2024, Pierce broke out in his second season under Steichen. Pierce finished the season with 824 yards on 37 catches with seven touchdowns. After gaining more targets within the offense, Pierce led the league in average yards per catch with 22.3. An impressive number for the 6’3″, 215 lbs receiver. After the signing of veteran quarterback Daniel Jones, Pierce benefited the most out of any Colt. Even after Jones tore his Achilles, Pierce finished with his first 1,000-yard receiving season. He finished with 1,003 yards on 47 catches, along with six touchdowns.
Alec Pierce ready to cash in this offseason? @MikePitt_Jr thinks so.@davehelman_ pic.twitter.com/aw4N2dmMyu
— The Athletic Football Show (@TA_FootballShow) February 5, 2026
Frank Reich could look to reunite with Alec Pierce in New York
It will be hard for the Colts to part with Alec Pierce. He’s become a well-respected member of the locker room and thrived growing next to veteran Michael Pittman. However, it’s not hard to envision Pierce wanting to test the market. He should expect a lot of interest in the market. Fortunately, there are a few reasons why the Jets could make sense for Pierce. For starters, the Jets will be in a position to compete with many offers due to their cap space. After all, money is a powerful negotiation tool. But, outside of the financial benefit, Pierce instantly benefits from targets as well. After Garrett Wilson, no one on the Jets will compare to Pierce’s level in the wide receiver room. If signed, Pierce instantly becomes a favorite for top three finish in targets on the team.
Despite their short time together, the chance to play with Reich again could appeal to Pierce. Despite the quarterback position being up in the air, whoever they pick should be better than retirement-bound Matt Ryan when Pierce last played for Reich. In addition, a Pierce signing would benefit Mougey’s offseason plans as well. By signing Pierce, Mougey can allocate those draft picks towards the defense. They won’t be a playoff contender, however, adding to the front seven, the linebacker room, and the secondary through the Jets can bring more upside to New York long term. The Jets can’t solve all their problems this offseason. But signing someone like Alec Pierce could go a long way to help this team.
Main Photo: [Thomas Shea] – Imagn Images