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Alec Pierce Identified as Colts’ Likely Franchise-Tag Choice as Deadline Nears

Analysts point to a breakout year driving greater free‑agent interest than Daniel Jones.

Overview

  • PFF’s Bradley Locker named wide receiver Alec Pierce as Indianapolis’ top franchise-tag candidate, with quarterback Daniel Jones viewed as a secondary option.
  • Pierce posted 47 receptions for 1,003 yards and six touchdowns in 14 starts in 2025, with league-leading deep-threat production.
  • PFF graded Pierce at an 81.0 receiving mark with 2.10 yards per route run and a 2.1% drop rate, ranking ninth among qualified wideouts in receiving grade.
  • Market projections estimate Pierce near $28 million per year, with Spotrac listing a four-year, $81 million deal as a baseline.
  • Reporter Stephen Holder’s assessment, cited by ClutchPoints, says Pierce draws wider external interest than Jones as the March 3 franchise-tag deadline approaches.