Just over a year after playing for a spot in Super Bowl 59, the Washington Commanders were at home, watching the Seattle Seahawks tear their way through the NFC on the way to a Super Bowl title.
Not only did the Commanders fail to avenge last year’s NFC Championship Game loss, but at no point in the season did it even look like they would have the opportunity to do so.
Washington began the year 3-2 following a Week 5 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, and that was the last time the team’s record was above .500. They went on to lose 10 of their final 12 games, finishing the year 5-12.
The Commanders’ woes in 2025 can largely be pinned on injuries, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. Jayden Daniels only appeared in seven games, Terry McLaurin took the field for just 10 contests, and the loss of Austin Ekeler proved to be a significant blow to the backfield.
Excuses can be made, but for real progress to be made next season, there needs to be a shake-up of the roster.
One spot to start is the weapons arsenal.
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Heading into the year, the Commanders were slated to have a dynamic WR duo of McLaurin and Deebo Samuel. Injuries to both Daniels and McLaurin prevented Washington’s passing game from showing its true potential, but either way, things are likely going to look different in 2026.
Samuel is set to hit free agency, and if he leaves, the receiving corps will be quite thin. Beyond the depth of this unit, McLaurin is about to enter his age-31 season, making the need for young, difference-making receivers even more pressing.
The NFL Draft could help fill that need, but one option in the pool of free agents stands out: Alec Pierce.
Pierce will undoubtedly be one of the most sought-after receivers in the free agent market, and Zachary Pereles of CBS Sports has predicted that the Commanders will be the ones to land him.
“Coach Dan Quinn and GM Adam Peters both expressed a desire to get younger and faster this offseason. Pierce is young (25) and fast: He’s led the NFL in yards per catch in consecutive seasons, and he became the first player since A.J. Brown in 2019 to go over 1,000 yards on at least 20 yards per catch,” wrote Pereles.
Should The Commanders Sign Alec Pierce?
Wide receiver is one of those positions where high-end talent seldom becomes available on the open market. In turn, free agent contracts for receivers often become bloated, as teams deprived of pass-catching talent get into bidding wars for quality options.
When we look back at Pierce’s contract in a few years, it could certainly look a bit ridiculous, but as long as the number isn’t too out of line, this is a spot where the Commanders should look to get aggressive.
Options to make up for the presumed loss of Deebo will be limited. The Commanders hold just two picks in the top 100 of the 2026 NFL Draft, and with the No. 7 pick widely expected to be used for a defensive addition, finding a rookie who can make an immediate impact will be difficult.
That’s where Pierce enters the fold.
He has a proven track record and has established himself as a premier deep threat in the league. He’s the type of receiver who can turn a drive, or a game, around with just one reception.
Washington desperately needs that kind of talent. At his best, McLaurin can do that, but as he enters the latter stages of his career, Washington can’t bank on him to be the do-it-all guy.
Pierce could be the perfect running mate for McLaurin. He’d make defenses have to respect Washington’s vertical passing game, while opening the door for Daniels to get aggressive downfield and work other areas.
At the end of the day, as long as the price is right, this is the kind of move that can help the Commanders bounce back in 2026.
Alec Pierce Stats
Pierce put together a career year in 2025, crossing 1,000 yards for the first time in four NFL seasons.
2025 Stats:
15 games
84 targets
47 receptions
1,003 receiving yards
21.3 yards per reception
6 receiving touchdowns
Alec Pierce Contract Projection
Pierce is in the running to earn the largest free-agent contract among wide receivers this offseason. Currently, Spotrac projects him to receive a four-year, $81.0 million contract.
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