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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 07: Alec Pierce #14 of the Indianapolis Colts reacts during the third quarter against the Miami Dolphins during the game at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 07, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
The Las Vegas Raiders are in store for a major offseason, and while most believe the offensive line will be the team’s top priority, ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller believes the Raiders’ top priority is adding a premier wide receiver during free agency.
“Before they come on the clock with that number one overall pick, we’ll see free agency and I think this is where they have to add at the wide receiver position. Tre Tucker, Jack Bech, they need a true number one. You guys highlighted it earlier how deep this wide receiver class is in free agency. The Raiders should spend to get a veteran here, because they are gonna have a rookie quarterback. Having that veteran presence at wide receiver, a true number one, is gonna open things up for Brock Bowers. It’s going to open things up for Ashton Jeanty. So that is a huge key for the Raiders.”
.@nfldraftscout breaks down Maxx Crosby’s potential future with the Raiders and the other offseason priorities in Las Vegas 🏈
That said, The Athletic’s Ted Nguyen pinned impending Indianapolis Colts’ free agent wide receiver Alec Pierce as the “perfect Mendoza WR.”
“Personnel-wise, Alec Pierce is the perfect Mendoza WR. Deep threat that can win with speed and body positioning. Mendoza throws an elite fade/back shoulder ball and loves it in big moments.”
And recently, ESPN’s Stephen Holder painted a harsh reality for the Colts.
Raiders Get Good News on Pursuit of Alec Pierce
According to Holder, the contract negotiations between the Colts and Pierce “weren’t close” compared to his previous statements.
“I would say the franchise tag AND transition tag are in play. Ballard tends to work on deadline, so this isn’t surprising IMO. The market for Pierce is 
”
The Colts only have $35.7 million in available cap space according to OvertheCap.com, vs. the Raiders’ staggering $91.5 million. Pierce, who’s still just 25 years old, has already racked up 157 catches for 2,934 yards and 17 touchdowns over four seasons with the Colts.
According to The Athletic, Pierce is the No. 2-rated WR free agent behind Mike Evans (George Pickens will be given the franchise tag next week, according to Dallas Cowboys COO Stephen Jones) and is projected to sign a four-year, $102 million deal.
“Pierce is a vertical outside receiver who is sudden off the line of scrimmage, including against press-man coverage. He led the NFL in yards per reception at 21.3, and 32 of his 47 catches went for explosive gains. He uses long strides to create space and has elite ball tracking, especially outside the numbers in contested-catch situations. Pierce has the leaping ability and body control to play above the rim. He has a second gear on vertical routes to create separation in the deep part of the field, and he will run past flat-footed corners who are playing off coverage.”
Raiders Need to Make A Huge Investment at Wide Receiver
The Raiders need to acquire a true alpha at wide receiver, and it’ll likely happen during free agency. Las Vegas has already gone through the draft to acquire wideouts, and with the drafting of Bowers and Jeanty, Las Vegas needs a proven big-body wide receiver.
If the Colts end up giving Pierce the franchise tag (or even the transition tag that will cost the team around $24 million), then the Raiders will likely have to turn to plan B and go after Evans or Rashid Shaheed.
CBS Sports’ John Breech believes Evans can help Mendoza grow in Vegas, writing, “The only thing you want to do is bring in guys who can help your young quarterback. Why not go out there and get some receivers and some help on the offensive line? I think bringing in a veteran receiver would be interesting, someone like Mike Evans.”
And ESPN’s Ryan McFadden highlighted Shaheed, along with Pierce, as two WRs the Raiders can target.
“They will also need to add a top receiver who can take the attention away from Bowers. The Indianapolis Colts’ Alec Pierce and the Seahawks‘ Rashid Shaheed are two wide receivers the Raiders could target in free agency. Shaheed has familiarity with Kubiak’s system and can provide additional value as a returner.”
There’s no question the Raiders will look to add a wide receiver during free agency. And now Pierce could legitimately be in play after Holder’s recent comments.
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