The rise of Alec Pierce has been something to watch, and now fantasy managers and Alec Pierce owners are reaping the benefits. Pierce was a hot name heading into the 2026 free agency period after his great performance last season. Pierce finished with 1,003 yards and six touchdowns while averaging nearly 12 yards per reception. Pierce’s numbers likely would have been much better had Daniel Jones not suffered a season-ending Achilles injury. The Indianapolis Colts had made it known that they were going to try to retain the rising star receiver after the season concluded. The Colts locked in on Pierce, not even allowing him to hit free agency. Pierce was being linked to several wide receiver-needy teams like the Las Vegas Raiders and San Francisco 49ers. Ultimately, both sides agreed to a three-year deal worth $116 million.
Free agent WR Alec Pierce has agreed to terms to remain in Indianapolis on a historic 4 year $114M deal that will make him the highest paid free agent receiver in NFL History.
The deal negotiated by agents Mike Swenson and CJ LaBoy, came together overnight and contains $84m in… pic.twitter.com/Op9qCpsNYq
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2026
Dynasty Outlook in 2026
With Pierce signed, the Colts even felt comfortable enough to trade away Michael Pittman to the Pittsburgh Steelers, after initially stating that Pittman not being with the Colts was “purely hypothetical.” Now, Alec Pierce finds himself in a new stratosphere as the Colts’ new number one wide receiver. This step up now places added fantasy value to Alec Pierce heading into the 2026 fantasy season. Last season, Pierce was third on the team in targets behind both Michael Pittman and Josh Downs. Pittman saw 111 targets to Pierce’s 84. However, with Pittman gone, his 20.4% target share now returns to the pool, allowing Pierce to lead with a much bigger target share next season.
Despite not having as big a target share as Pittman or Downs, Pierce still led all Colts’ receivers in receiving yards. Pierce was also the primary deep threat, often being used to stretch the field using his speed. Because of that, Pierce also led all Colts receivers in Air Yards Per Game with 106.2. The Colts receiver, while known for his speed and deep threat ability, is no stranger to going up against defenders and getting the ball. Last season, Pierce was also better than Pittman in Contested Catches, according to Fantasydata. Pierce had 26 contested catches, beating out both Pittman and Downs, who had just 14 by comparison.
Pierce showed a connection with quarterback Daniel Jones last season that highlighted the trust they developed in their first season together. The Colts are actively trying to bring Jones back into the fold. After some recent comments on the “Up and Adams Show**,”**there were beliefs that because of the tagging of Daniel Jones, Pierce was going to test the waters in free agency to look for quarterback stability.
Alec Pierce says he will not be re-signing with the Colts before free agency begins:
“I love Indy, but at this point, I've kind of earned the right to explore free agency.”
A disaster scenario is now real for the Colts after tagging Daniel Jones instead.pic.twitter.com/PSYiRK3sFa
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) March 4, 2026
Dynasty managers should be equally excited about the change of events for Pierce. Pierce is now the Indianapolis Colts’ top receiver. He will command a much larger target share in the upcoming season. The Colts were 18th in pass attempts last season with 547. Now those targets will be allocated between Alec Pierce, Josh Downs, and tight end Tyler Warren for the majority. And to make the rise in fantasy value even sweeter, Pierce will be 26 during the season.
Trading or trading for Pierce should be more lucrative as well. With an expanded role in the Colts offense looming plus a substantial increase in volume, Pierce should be able to pull in a mid-late first-round draft pick. Some have Pierce’s around an early second-round rookie draft pick heading after signing his new contract. If Pierce can deliver as the Colts new top receiver, “Yesterday’s price” will not be today’s price. For now, Pierce stands as a stronger WR2 in dynasty formats this year. Fantasy managers will be glued to their screens to see how Alec Pierce produces this year.