Wide receiver Alec Pierce is returning to the Indianapolis Colts with a four-year, $116 million deal, sources told ESPN.
Pierce’s return was uncertain after the Colts used the transition tag on quarterback Daniel Jones, allowing Pierce to become a free agent. However, a deal averaging $29 million per season ensured Pierce’s return.
Pierce had his best season as a pro in 2025, surpassing 1,000 receiving yards for the first time and leading the NFL in yards per catch for the second straight year. He finished with 1,003 receiving yards on 47 catches for a 21.3-yard per-reception average.
Already one of the best deep-ball threats in the game, Pierce further solidified himself in that regard; 36.2% of his receptions were for 20 yards or longer. Pierce also was surehanded; he had a career-low one dropped pass.
The Colts began 2025 with the hottest offense in the NFL. A huge part of that success was due to running back Jonathan Taylor. But the ability for Pierce to stretch defenses was also transformative; with teams reluctant to pull defenders closer to the line of scrimmage lest Pierce beat them deep, running lanes for Taylor opened.
A second-round draft pick out of Cincinnati in 2022, Pierce has led the Colts in receiving yards each of the past two seasons. And he’s done it without enjoying a large percentage of the team’s passing targets. In fact, he hasn’t ranked higher than third in team target share in either season, underscoring his efficiency.
ESPN’s Stephen Holder contributed to his report.
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