With reports indicating the Dallas Cowboys will use the franchise tag on George Pickens, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce might be the best free agent pass-catcher to actually reach the market. A second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati product showed promise through his first three seasons but finally broke out thanks to some stable quarterback play. Appearing in 15 games, the deep threat finished the season with 47 receptions for 1,003 yards and six touchdowns on 84 targets while leading the league with 21.3 yards per reception.
This marked the second straight year he led the league in that statistic, which shows just how dangerous a downfield weapon he can be. While he may not be a high-volume receiver, every single team in the league would love to have a player like him on the roster. While all 32 teams should have at least a passing interest in him, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox believes the Denver Broncos and Pittsburgh Steelers are the best fits.
“Teams love receivers who can stretch the field, generate big plays, and create holes in underneath coverage. Pierce, who has led the league in yards per catch in back-to-back seasons, fits that mold,” Knox writes. “Given Pierce’s age and skill set, he should expect a deal in the annual range of teammate Michael Pittman Jr.’s contract.”
Broncos, Steelers Linked to Free Agent Alec Pierce
The Broncos made it to the AFC Championship Game last year, and there’s a case to be made that they would’ve advanced to the Super Bowl were it not for Bo Nix’s season-ending ankle injury. This team has the talent to win it all as long as Nix is healthy, and the former first-round pick isn’t due for a raise for a few more seasons. With this in mind, Denver should go all-in on winning a Super Bowl while their quarterback is still playing on a rookie contract.
Courtland Sutton is an above-average starter and a great perimeter threat, but this team could use a second legitimate weapon. Nix was one of the league’s least efficient deep passers last year, but perhaps he can improve that part of his game if they sign free agent Alec Pierce. While Pierce might be something of a one-trick pony, he’s considerably more consistent than guys like Marvin Mims.
Fit With the Steelers
It’s a new era in Pittsburgh, as former head coach Mike Tomlin stepped down and longtime Packers and Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy stepped up to fill the void. McCarthy has a solid track record as a competent head coach, but this team needs more talent to go on a deep playoff run. While Pittsburgh must find its quarterback for 2026, whoever ends up under center will need more pass-catching help.
D.K. Metcalf is still a good wide receiver, but his inaugural season in Pittsburgh left a little something to be desired. The rest of the depth chart, meanwhile, is comprised of underwhelming youngsters and unremarkable veterans. This team needs another playmaker, and Alec Pierce could give Pittsburgh the home run threat it so desperately needs.
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