Drake Maye
Getty
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 08: Drake Maye #10 of the New England Patriots looks on prior to the start of Super Bowl LX against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium on February 08, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Fresh off a loss in the Super Bowl, the New England Patriots are turning their attention to the future. This past season is just that: the past. With MVP runner-up and rising star quarterback Drake Maye under center — and with the reigning NFL Coach of the Year, Mike Vrabel, at the helm — the future is bright in New England.
But the Patriots have some work to do to see that bright future fulfilled. New England rode one of the easiest paths to the Super Bowl in league history. That doesn’t take anything away from what they accomplished, but it does mean they may struggle to replicate their 2025 success without some roster upgrades and continued improvement from young players.
That rings true on offense especially. The Patriots got exposed on that side of the ball in the playoffs, with a young offensive line struggling to keep Maye clean and a lack of premier talent at wide receiver catching up to the Patriots in the season’s biggest moments. To that end, the Patriots have two primary ways to improve their offensive talent: free agency and the draft.
The New England Patriots Are Encouraged to Pursue the NFL’s Top Deep Threat in Free Agency
Alec Pierce
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – JANUARY 04: Alec Pierce #14 of the Indianapolis Colts catches a touchdown pass against Derek Stingley Jr. #24 of the Houston Texans during the second quarter of the game at NRG Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
Wide receiver is a big need for the Patriots, but they may prefer to invest in the offensive line in the draft. Thankfully, there is a pretty good crop of receivers to target in free agency, and Conor Roche of Boston.com recommended one in particular for New England: Colts WR Alec Pierce.
“Pierce is a strong potential consolation prize,” Roche wrote, saying that the Cowboys‘ George Pickens might be prohibitively expensive. “Pierce has been the best big-play wide receiver in the NFL on a per catch basis over the last two years. He led the NFL in yards per reception in 2024 (22.3) and again this past season (21.3).
“Pierce’s ability to make big plays might also show some sign of untapped potential, especially when you consider the quarterback play he’s had in Indianapolis for the first four years of his career. But with Daniel Jones having a career resurgence this year, Pierce crossed the 1,000-yard mark for the first time in his career in 2025.”
“Pierce is still relatively young as well,” Roche continued. “He’ll turn 26 in May, so whatever contract he signs will likely expire before he turns 30. That might make him a safer bet than trading for Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown, who’ll turn 29 this offseason and has had multiple injuries in the last couple of years.”
Colts WR Alec Pierce Would Be a Great Target for the New England Patriots
As Roche mentioned, Pierce is the NFL’s top deep threat. Over the last two seasons, he has 84 receptions for 1,827 yards and 13 touchdowns, averaging at least 21 yards per reception in each of those seasons.
The Colts view Pierce as one of their top priorities in free agency, but other teams may simply outbid them. The Patriots could use a reliable three-level receiver, and Pierce fits the bill perfectly.