The New Orleans Saints are in a fantastic spot as a franchise. They're picking eighth overall, and they've found their franchise quarterback in Tyler Shough.
But the Saints have a few clear needs at running back and wide receiver. Getting Shough help is a must, and there are some great free agent and draft options they could target.
Aaron Schatz of ESPN is projecting that the Saints, instead of landing a star wide receiver in the draft, will sign free-agent Indianapolis Colts deep-threat wide receiver Alec Pierce as the perfect complement to the wide receiver room.
Saints projected to sign Colts' Alec Pierce by ESPN
"The Saints ranked 31st in pass plays that gained at least 20 yards last season (5.6%)," Schatz writes. "So, let's give second-year quarterback Tyler Shough a great deep threat who would help their offense stretch the field."
Pierce is one of the best deep threats in the NFL, and would be exactly what the doctor ordered for the Saints this offseason.
He had 1,003 receiving yards last season, and did so on just 47 receptions. He had a ridiculous 21.3 yards-per-reception in 2025, and that wasn't even the best mark of his career.
In 2024, Pierce recorded 824 yards on 37 receptions, good for a remarkable 22.3 yards-per-reception.
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Pierce's lowest yards-per-reception total in his career was 14.5 in his rookie season on 41 receptions. He's a fantastic field-stretcher.
With the Saints desperately needing another top receiver, especially one who can be a deep threat receiver, Pierce would be a fantastic choice this offseason.
He's proven himself in the NFL already, and while he might cost a bit, the Saints' signing him to pair with Chris Olave and Devaughn Vele would make for a great wide receiver trio for Shough in his sophomore season.
For a team like the Saints, who lack downfield playmakers, adding Pierce would make a ton of sense. Schatz's projection coming true for the Saints would be amazing, as Pierce is the perfect free agent target for New Orleans.
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