It’s no secret that the New England Patriots will be looking to add a top wide receiver in free agency. And there’s one star player who initially wasn’t going to be available, but could now be.
The Indianapolis Colts were reportedly planning to use the franchise tag on Alec Pierce, but it seems things have changed. Quarterback Daniel Jones is an impending unrestricted free agent, and Indianapolis doesn’t want to lose him either.
It has put the Colts in a very tough spot because, as NFL Insider Albert Breer pointed out, “Transition-tagging QB Daniel Jones would, by rule, take away the Colts’ ability to use either tag on WR Alec Pierce, who’ll have a robust market. Meanwhile, Pierce wants to know who his QB will be before doing a new deal.”
ESPN’s Adam Schefter appeared on the Pat McAfee show on Tuesday, detailing how the Colts and Jones have had discussions about a long-term deal, but they have not been able to agree on a value. So, with that, Schefter says things are going in the director of Jones being tagged.
And that could give the Patriots the opportunity to land Pierce.
The deadline for teams to place the franchise or transitional tag on a player is March 3rd at 4:00 PM ET.
If He’s Not Tagged, Alec Pierce Expected To Test Free Agency: REPORT
GettyAlec Pierce
If the Colts pick Jones with his non-exclusive franchise tag set at $43.895 million, it brings into question whether Indianapolis will be able to give Pierce the contract he’s looking for.
And according to CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones, if this does happen, “wide receiver Alec Pierce would likely test free agency next week.”
He also provided some more context as to why the Colts may go with Jones, saying that “the Minnesota Vikings are lurking.”
“Multiple sources have indicated the Vikings are closely monitoring the situation with Indy and Jones,” Jones wrote. “While the Vikings don’t have the cap space right now and would need some cap gymnastics to clear enough space to bring him into the fold, the belief is that the Vikings could shift into gear after Tuesday’s deadline if the Colts don’t issue a tag on Jones.”
Jones has a history with the Vikings, having spent part of the 2024 season with them and Minnesota is in the market following a poor season from former No. 10 overall pick J.J. McCarthy. So, with Jones’ experience with Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell, it seems like the perfect situation if he becomes available.
Why Alec Pierce Would Be A Fit For The Patriots
GettyAlec Pierce
The Patriots need a true top target for Drake Maye, and Pierce certainly would fill that hole. Over the past two seasons, the Colts’ wide receiver has led the league in yards per catch. Specifically, during the 2025 season, he had 1,003 receiving yards and six touchdowns.
But what should be most appealing to the Patriots is his deep-threat ability, as quarterback Drake Maye is considered one of the best deep passers in the league.
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