Trending Now - NFL Free Agency: Big Returns for Pierce and Ingram
WHO:
Alec Pierce, wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts
Reggie Wayne, Colts wide receivers coach
Chris Ballard, Colts general manager
Daniel Jones, quarterback for the Colts
Michael Pittman Jr., former wide receiver for the Colts
Puka Nacua, Offensive Player of the Year winner
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Offensive Player of the Year finalist
Shane Steichen, head coach of the Colts
WHAT:
Alec Pierce announced on March 9th, 2026, on "The Pat McAfee Show" that he has agreed to re-sign with the Colts.
Pierce's four-year contract is worth $116 million, averaging $29 million per year.
In 2025, Pierce recorded a career-high 1,003 receiving yards, six touchdowns, and led the NFL in yards per reception for the second consecutive year with an average of 21.3 yards.
36.2% of Pierce's receptions in 2025 were for 20 yards or more.
Pierce had a career-low one dropped pass in the 2025 season.
Michael Pittman Jr. was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a late-round pick swap, and he signed a new three-year, $59 million deal with the Steelers.
Pittman caught 80 passes for 784 yards and a career-high seven touchdowns in the 2025 season.
Alec Pierce signed a four-year contract extension with the Colts worth $116 million, making him the highest-paid free agent receiver in NFL history.
The contract includes $84 million in guarantees, with $60 million fully guaranteed at signing.
In the 2025 season, Pierce recorded 1,003 receiving yards on 47 catches, averaging 21.3 yards per reception.
Pierce led the NFL in yards per reception in both 2024 (22.3) and 2025 (21.3).
He caught six touchdowns in the 2025 season.
Pierce was targeted on 61 passes that traveled at least 15 yards beyond the line of scrimmage in 2025, catching 29 of them.
He drew five pass interference flags on incomplete passes.
Pierce played over 90% of the Colts' offensive snaps in eight of the 15 games he played in 2025.
Michael Pittman Jr. was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a late-round pick swap.
WHERE:
Indianapolis, Indiana (home of the Colts)
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (location of the Steelers)
WHEN:
The contract extension was announced on March 9th, 2026.
The 2025 NFL season statistics are referenced, including games played and performance metrics.
WHY:
The Colts aimed to retain Pierce due to his significant impact as a deep-ball threat and his ability to stretch defenses, which benefits the overall offense.
The decision to trade Pittman was influenced by his contract situation and the Colts' desire to save $24 million against the cap.
HOW:
The Colts used the transition tag on quarterback Daniel Jones, allowing them to focus on retaining Pierce during free agency.
The Colts negotiated a contract with Pierce to ensure he remained with the team, despite interest from other teams.
(UPDATED March 9, 2026 23:04 UTC)
Alec Pierce announced today on "The Pat McAfee Show" that he has re-signed with the Colts on a four-year contract worth $116 million, averaging $29 million per year. Last season, Pierce achieved a career-high of 1,003 receiving yards and six touchdowns, while also leading the NFL in yards per reception for the second year in a row with an impressive average of 21.3 yards. In other team news, Michael Pittman Jr. was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a late-round pick swap and signed a new three-year deal worth $59 million after catching 80 passes for 784 yards and a career-high seven touchdowns in 2025.
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(UPDATED March 9, 2026 21:04 UTC)
Today, the Indianapolis Colts announced a groundbreaking four-year contract extension for wide receiver Alec Pierce, worth $116 million, making him the highest-paid free agent receiver in NFL history. The deal, which includes $84 million in guarantees and $60 million fully guaranteed at signing, comes after Pierce's impressive 2025 season where he recorded over 1,000 receiving yards and led the league in yards per reception. In a related move, the Colts traded former wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. to the Pittsburgh Steelers, a decision influenced by his contract situation and the team's goal to save $24 million against the salary cap.