Colts News
The Indianapolis Colts could use the franchise tag to retain wide receiver Alec Pierce as he enters unrestricted free agency this offseason. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports that Pierce represents a “1B option” behind quarterback Daniel Jones in the team’s offseason priorities.
Pierce completed a breakout 2025 season with 1,003 receiving yards on 47 receptions. He caught six touchdown passes over 15 games. The wide receiver led the NFL in yards per reception for the second consecutive year at 21.3 yards per catch. Pierce recorded 84 targets during the campaign.
The Colts used a similar approach with Michael Pittman Jr. in 2024. Indianapolis applied the franchise tag to Pittman before negotiating a three-year, $70 million extension. That contract carries an average annual value of $23.33 million. Pittman has one season remaining on his current deal with a $29 million cap hit in 2026.
The franchise tag for wide receivers is projected at approximately $28 million for 2026. The transition tag would cost roughly $25 million. Either designation would guarantee Pierce’s salary for one season while the team negotiates a long-term contract.
General manager Chris Ballard confirmed after the season that signing Pierce ranks high on the organization’s offseason agenda. The team traded Adonai Mitchell during the 2025 season, increasing Pierce’s value to the roster. Josh Downs remains under his contract, while Pittman enters the final year of his deal.
Pierce signed with the Colts as a second-round pick in the 2022 draft out of Cincinnati. He has expanded his route tree beyond serious threats this season. The 25-year-old became a more complete receiver in his fourth NFL campaign.
The Colts also face contract decisions at quarterback. Daniel Jones suffered a torn Achilles tendon in Week 14 against Jacksonville. He finished the season with 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions over 13 starts. Jones signed a one-year deal worth $14 million before the 2025 season.
Ballard told reporters the team intends to re-sign Jones despite the injury. The quarterback showed significant improvement in offensive coordinator Shane Steichen’s system before the injury ended his season. Jones is expected to command a substantial multi-year contract. The franchise tag window opens next week and closes March 3. Teams can apply only one franchise or transition tag per offseason. The Colts must choose between tagging Jones or Pierce if contract negotiations extend past the deadline.
Indianapolis finished 8-9 in 2025 and missed the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season. The team started 8-2 before losing seven straight games to end the year. Jones’s injury contributed to the late-season collapse.