The Washington Commanders need to fill a roster spot, and a former head coach believes he knows the answer. Jay Gruden, who coached the team from 2014 to 2019, joined 106.7 The Fan. He effusively praised free agent wide receiver Alec Pierce of the Indianapolis Colts.
“He’s going to be a steal for somebody. He’s a big-time player, going to get better and better.”
Former Washington head coach Jay Gruden RAVES about free agent WR Alec Pierce. Do you want him for the Commanders? pic.twitter.com/z0PBfNxRbx
— 106.7 The Fan (@1067theFan) February 9, 2026
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With Terry McLaurin as the lead receiver, Washington could use a receiver to pressure defenses vertically. In the last two seasons, no one has accomplished more vertically, in regard to yards per catch, than Pierec. In 2024, he led the NFL with an average of 22.3 yards per catch. Last season, he replicated the feat. posting a 21.3 average.
Despite catching just 53% of his passes during his four-year career, Pierce only dropped ten passes. 2025 saw a breakout season for the 2022 second-round pick out of the University of Cincinnati. He eclipsed the 1,000-yard plateau for the first time in his career.
Alec Pierce 4 REC, 132 YDS, 2 TDs vs HOU Today Week 18.pic.twitter.com/rcn5iCk2nM https://t.co/gkUhOLuJke
— Football Performances (@NFLPerformances) January 4, 2026
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Pierce Would Grant Commanders a New Flexibility
At six-foot-three, Pierce towers over all of the current Commanders’ wideouts and just about every cornerback. However, his height only tells a part of his story. Pierce runs as well as any wideout with his size and frame. Using a combination of burst and long speed, he easily slips by corners at the snap.
If they play off the corner, Pierce still makes up ground on vertical passes. What separates him from many deep threats is the ability to elevate over defenders. He turns the tables on contested catches to favor him with balls near his vicinity and catch radius.
GettyIndianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce elevates over Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Tyson Campbell during a January 5, 2025 game.
Jayden Daniels, before an injury-riddled 2025, started to solidify his reputation as one of the better deep ball throwers in the league. During his rookie campaign, he connected on 20 of 57 attempts of at least 20 yards, with seven touchdowns. Those numbers would improve with a bigger, more athletic wide receiver.
On top of that, adding Pierce would give new offensive coordinator David Blough a different dynamic. With some of the defense rolled over towards McLaurin, the odds that Daniels could see a vertical threat in single coverage with a late-arriving safety increase.
Deebo Samuel, now a free agent, can catch the deep balls, but Washington threw the majority of his passes behind the line, hoping that he would break a few tackles.
Pierce’s Potential Price Tag Could Become a Factor
Washington would have competition for his services if they choose to pursue Pierce. His current team, the Colts, still has the franchise tag available. That would grant them exclusive negotiating rights while keeping him in Indiana for another season. If they don’t, hitting the open market will raise his salary.
Last season, Indianapolis paid him $3,664,820. Spotrac estimates his price tag on the open market at $20.2 million. Basically, he would almost be paid like a No. 1 wideout. Should the Commanders commit another eight figures per season for a wideout? This could also hinge on what the front office believes they can accomplish in the draft to plug other holes. Pierce could give the Commanders another weapon, provided they meet his perceived price.
Former Commanders HC Urges Signing ‘Big-Time’ Free Agent