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DENVER, COLORADO – JANUARY 17: Bo Nix #10 of the Denver Broncos reacts to a missed pass against the Buffalo Bills during the second quarter in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Empower Field At Mile High on January 17, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

The Denver Broncos have been connected to several big-name wide receivers, but one emerging free agent target stands out as both a perfect fit.

The Broncos were one win away from the Super Bowl last season, but the offense still showed a clear weakness.

The receiver group struggled to consistently create explosive plays and had glaring issues with drops, especially late in the year.

That’s why one prominent analyst believes the Broncos are poised to make a significant move in free agency.

That prediction centers on Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce.

In a recent ESPN projection, analyst Aaron Schatz identified Pierce as Denver’s most logical WR2 target.

He cited both scheme fit and quarterback compatibility.

“After exploring a trade for Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle in November, the Broncos will finally get their WR2 by signing the Colts’ Alec Pierce,” Schatz wrote.

“A big, physical receiver who can block and win on contested catches downfield, he’s a perfect fit for Bo Nix’s play style and Sean Payton’s offense.”

That projection immediately turned heads in Denver and for good reason.

Alec Pierce Fits Exactly What the Broncos are Missing

Pierce quietly put together the best season of his career in 2025.

He hauled in 47 receptions for 1,003 yards and six touchdowns.

His 21.3 yards per catch led the NFL for the second straight year.

Denver struggled to connect on vertical shots last season, even as Bo Nix showed steady growth as a decision-maker.

Pierce’s ability to stretch the field, win down the sideline, and create chunk plays would instantly change how defenses play the Broncos.

Unlike some speed-only deep threats that the Broncos have, Pierce also brings size and physicality.

He blocks willingly, competes at the catch point, and fits the type of receiver Sean Payton has traditionally valued.

With Courtland Sutton commanding attention on the outside, Pierce would give Denver a legitimate second weapon who forces safeties to stay honest.

Pierce may not be a name that jumps off the page, but in a weak free agent wide receiver class, he offers real upside.

The Catch: Alec Pierce Won’t Come Cheap

There’s just one problem with Pierce.

His market value is projected at $20.2 million per year, according to Spotrac.

That’s WR1-level money for a player who, while highly efficient, hasn’t been a volume monster.

Denver has cap space to work with.

However, committing that kind of money would signal full confidence that Pierce is more than just a complementary piece.

At just 25, it would signal that he is a major part of their long-term plans.

Other analysts point toward a few other alternative options that are cheaper.

Rashid Shaheed, Romeo Doubs, and Jauan Jennings have been mentioned as upgrades at a lower price point.

However, none of them provide Pierce’s combination of size, downfield efficiency, and schematic fit.

Denver explored aggressive receiver options last season and came up empty.

This time, the timing, fit, and cap flexibility feel more aligned.

If Denver is serious about taking the next step with Bo Nix, this could be a necessary move for the Broncos to make.

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