Colts free-agent rumor is bad news for Indy, good news for Giants, Steelers and Bills originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Among the top priorities for the Indianapolis Colts this offseason is wide receiver Alec Pierce.

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Pierce is a pending free agent after posting a career-best year and there will be plenty of interested suitors if the Colts don’t prevent him from getting to free agency by re-signing him ahead of time.

When it comes to Pierce’s prospects in free agency in 2026, Essentially Sports’ Tony Pauline expects the wide receiver to hit the open market, barring the Colts giving him a Godfather-style offer.

“One interesting soon-to-be-free-agent receiver to keep an eye on is Alec Pierce of the Indianapolis Colts,” he wrote. “Pierce could re-sign with the Colts, the team that drafted him, if they give him a Godfather contract (an offer he can’t refuse). Yet I would expect the 2022 second-round pick to hit the free-agent market and sign a contract for more than anyone expects.”

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Pierce has said he’s interested in returning to the Colts, but his decision will partly  be based on what happens with Daniel Jones, who is also a pending free agent.

Jones is widely expected to be back in Indianapolis, which increases the chances that Pierce re-ups with the Colts.

But that won’t be the only determining factor, as Pierce is going to be looking for a hefty payday, something he is likely to get as arguably the most attractive option at wide receiver in free agency.

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If he wants to maximize his opportunity for the best payday possible, opting to go into free agency is the best bet, as a bidding war for his services will drive up the price.

Three teams we would figure to have interest in Pierce are the New York Giants, Buffalo Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers, all of whom need help at wide receiver.

The Colts and Steelers are best positioned to offer Pierce a huge bag thanks to their positive financial situations. Meanwhile, the Bills and Giants are both over the cap entering the offseason.

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Whether it’s from the Colts, Steelers, Bills, Giants or another team, Pierce is going to get paid handsomely this offseason.

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