The NFL offseason is now in the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine phase. That doesn’t mean teams aren’t making roster decisions for guys currently under contract–or set to be a free agent.

The Indianapolis Colts are among those teams with difficult decisions to make. They have now made a decision regarding the future of one of their offensive weapons.

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Wide receiver Alec Pierce is set to be a free agent this March and should command a big salary. That’s if Pierce hits the open market.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (14) celebrates a touchdown with Indianapolis Colts tight end Andrew Ogletree (85) on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, during a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

The Colts reportedly have made it clear that Pierce will not be on the market come March. In fact, if they cannot reach an agreement, they will franchise tag him.

This is a big move for the Colts as they look to lock up one of the NFL’s top wide receiver free agent options in Pierce. Despite a late-season collapse to miss the playoffs, the Colts feel good about their future.

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Much of that collapse was due to the loss of the resurgence quarterback Daniel Jones. They expect to reach a deal to keep him in Indianapolis as well.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) celebrates with wide receiver Alec Pierce (14) after Jones scores a touchdown during a game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis

The news of franchise tag Pierce if a long-term deal can’t be met is a tricky one to play. They could franchise tag Jones instead–locking up their future at quarterback.

However, this is likely a sign they are confident in retaining Jones and will keep the preferred weapons of his as well. Pierce, for now, isn’t expected to go anywhere.

The fourth-year receiver set career highs in receptions (47) and yards (1,003), along with six touchdowns, with the Colts in 2025. He has led the NFL in yards-per-reception in back-to-back seasons, with well over 20 yards per catch in 2024 and 2025.

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