The Indianapolis Colts have spent big to keep wide receiver Alec Pierce out of the clutches of their rivals and moved on Michael Pittman Jr. to make room for him.
The in-demand star looked destined to test out free agency but the Colts confirmed on Monday that they have convinced Pierce to commit his future to the team.
It comes at a big price, with the 25-year-old agreeing to a four-year deal worth a huge $116million.
The Colts are keeping Daniel Jones, too, despite the quarterback rejecting their latest contract offer. ESPN said Monday that Jones is getting the transition tag.
Pierce reportedly turned down more money to stay in Indianapolis, with a number of teams circling.Â
Shortly after confirming Pierce was staying, the Colts announced they had traded Pittman to the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he becomes another offensive weapon for Aaron Rodgers.Â
Alec Pierce has agreed to a huge four-year deal worth $116million with the Indianapolis Colts
Michael Pittman Jr. has also been offloaded to the Pittsburgh Steelers to make room for him
Pierce (right) has been a key component in the Colts’ offense in recent years, while Pittman (left) has also been one of the NFL’s most productive receivers
The 28-year-old has been one of the NFL’s most productive receivers since being selected in the second round by Indianapolis in the 2020 draft. Pittman has 485 receptions for 5,254 yards and 25 touchdowns in six seasons, including 80 catches for 784 yards and seven scores in 2025.
He appeared to confirm the deal on social media, posting on his X account that his wife had a dream recently that he was wearing a Steelers jersey.
‘God works in crazy ways,’ Pittman posted.
The Steelers have been searching for a secondary receiving option to complement DK Metcalf, who they acquired in a trade with Seattle last year.
Pierce has been a key component in the Colts’ offense over the past two seasons, when he has led the league in yards-per-reception among qualifiers each year.
The move will keep the wideout and Jones together again after they developed a close rapport last season.
Pierce, who reportedly would have earned more than $29m per year if he had left the Colts, was on the New England Patriots’ radar before Indianapolis tied him down to a new deal.Â
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Alec Pierce agrees historic $116MILLION deal with Indianapolis Colts… who then trade star man to make room