The New England Patriots were unable to land Alec Pierce despite news that the wide receiver was going to test free agency.
Just as the legal tampering window began on Monday, ESPN reported that Pierce signed a four-year, $114 million contract extension with the Indianapolis Colts.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero further adds that Pierce’s deal came together overnight, which includes $84M in guarantees, $60M fully guaranteed at signing, and a max package of $116M.
According to The Athletic’s Jeff Howe, the Patriots were in on Pierce, but “weren’t willing to meet that price tag.”
“This is consistent with the Patriots’ roster build under Mike Vrabel. They’ve checked in on big-ticket additions over the past year but have remained disciplined with asset management,” Howe wrote.
Pierce was set to be the best receiver in free agency, coming off last season where he recorded 47 receptions, 1,003 yards and six touchdowns. He is the best deep ball receiver in the league, which is why many thought New England was a good fit considering some had Drake Maye as the best deep ball passer.
New England is still in need of a true top target, having release Stefon Diggs, who led the Patriots with 85 receptions, 1,013 yards and four touchdowns last season. They also have Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, DeMario Douglas, Kyle Williams, Efton Chism III, John Jiles and Jeremiah Webb on the roster.
Patriots Still Make A Big Signing At The Start
Getty Dre’Mont Jones
Despite not landing Pierce, the Patriots have signed a veteran edge rusher, addressing one of their biggest needs.
According to The Athletic, New England has signed talented pass rusher Dre’Mont Jones on a three-year deal worth $39.5 million.
Across his career, he has 37.5 career sacks.
Alec Pierce Reacts To Re-Signing With Colts
GettyIndianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce.
Soon after his signing was announced, Pierce joined ESPN, speaking about this historic deal on the Pat McAfee Show.
“Those opportunities started flooding in, but I knew where my heart was. I loved the city of Indianapolis. I just seen where we were at last year, early in the year, kind of rolling. I truly believe we were the No. 1 team in the NFL and just obviously didn’t finish out the season like we should have. But I think we get back to where we were,” Pierce said.
At the 2026 NFL Combine, Colts head coach Shane Steichen praised the receiver, making it clear that they want to keep him on the team.
“I think he’s made huge strides in his game,” Steichen said. ”
Obviously he’s a big home run threat for us as we know, but the intermediate stuff, the way he’s coming in and out of breaks, at the top of routes, the comebacks, the one-on-ones on the outside, running in-breaking stuff, I mean, he’s made a lot of strides in all those areas. And even the 50-50 balls down the field, I mean, he’s making those 70 percent of the time now. You throw it up and you got a chance to go make a play, so it’s been awesome to see.”
Patriots Lose Out On Top Free Agent Wide Receiver