Wide receiver Alec Pierce, who played his first four seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, is one of the NFL’s top free agents. Could he leave Indy this offseason and sign with the Las Vegas Raiders?
Zachary Pereles of CBS Sports released a 2026 free agency mock draft. He has Pierce landing in Vegas:
“The Raiders need help everywhere, but giving presumed No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza viable surroundings in his rookie year should be the top priority. Alec Pierce, 25, showed immense growth in 2025. He became the first player with at least 1,000 receiving yards while averaging at least 20 yards per catch since 2019.”
The Colts placed the transition tag on fellow soon-to-be free agent, starting quarterback Daniel Jones. Pierce, meanwhile, is surprisingly hitting the free agency market untagged as an unrestricted free agent. If he leaves, the up-and-coming Raiders could be his next team.
Alec Pierce Predicted to Sign with the Raiders
Glancing Back at His Career
The Colts drafted Alec Pierce in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He went on to have a decent rookie year in Indianapolis. In Week 6 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Pierce caught the game-winning 32-yard touchdown with 23 seconds left. It was the first touchdown of his career.
On Sunday Night Football, Pierce scored his second career touchdown. He also had four catches for 86 yards in the 54-19 blowout loss to the Dallas Cowboys. He finished his rookie year with 41 receptions for 593 receiving yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Pierce was expected to take a Year 2 leap, but he regressed instead. The Chicago area native caught just 32 passes for 514 yards and two touchdowns. As a result, some fans and pundits began to label him a bust.
Pierce ditched the bust label, though, in 2024. He recorded 824 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. He also led the NFL with 22.3 yards per catch.
This past season, Alec Pierce had 47 receptions, 1,003 yards, 585 yards, six touchdowns, and led the league again in yards per catch (21.3). He was impressive in the regular-seasonfinale against the Houston Texans. In that contest, Pierce recorded 132 receiving yards and two touchdowns before being ejected for making contact with an official over a disputed call.
Does Pierce-to-Vegas Make Sense?
Fernando Mendoza, 2026 NFL Draft prospect, quarterback, Indiana
Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza (15) passes during the Indiana versus Illinois football game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025
The Raiders are coming off a horrible 3-14 season. Yet, fans in Las Vegas are excited as their team landed the top pick in the NFL draft. With that pick, they’ll more than likely select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
The Heisman Trophy winner has the potential to become a superstar. But for that to happen, he must be surrounded by offensive weapons. Las Vegas already has quality pieces like tight end Brock Bowers and running back Ashton Jeanty. Add a talented receiver like Alec Pierce to the mix, and the Raiders could have a ridiculously bright future.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler believes Pierce is poised to make at least $27 million per year on a new deal. The Raiders have a ton of cap space, and would be able to sign him if he chooses to leave Indianapolis. Yes, it makes a lot of sense for Vegas to go after Pierce, who could help the team become a contender in the future.
Main Image: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images