The Indianapolis Colts are heading toward a 2026 crossroads that almost feels a tad unfair considering they’ve finally found offensive stability.
With a rejuvenated Daniel Jones running the show, a breakout rookie tight end in Tyler Warren and a fully realized deep threat in Alec Pierce, Indy is leading the NFL in both total offense (396.9 yards per game) and points per game (32.1). But two of those three are about to get a lot more expensive, as Jones and Pierce are set to be free agents.
“At 6-foot-3 and 211 pounds, Pierce is averaging a league-best 20.9 yards per catch. He has the straight-line speed to lift the safeties to create open coverage voids underneath. With more volume and an increased role, Pierce could produce somewhere as a multilevel route runner in 2026,” ESPN’s Matt Bowen wrote on November 12.
There’s no doubt Pierce will have several suitors, but can the Colts afford to keep him around while still re-signing Jones? Let’s discuss.
Colts WR Alec Pierce, QB Daniel Jones Predicted to Ink Expensive Deals in 2026 Free Agency
GettyCan the Colts afford to keep both QB Daniel Jones and WR Alec Pierce in 2026 when free agency hits?
On paper, the Colts should enter 2026 with what looks like decent cap room. Per Over the Cap, Indianapolis will have just under $47.6 million next year, which ranks 11th out of 32 teams. It could be a lot worse, but combined with large contracts already owed to Michael Pittman Jr., Quenton Nelson and Jonathan Taylor, there’s less wiggle room than Indy may need to keep both Pierce and Jones.
Jones is the reason the Colts even face this dilemma. Signed to a one-year, $14 million prove-it deal, he has transformed into one of the league’s most efficient quarterbacks. Through ten games, he has a 69.9 completion percentage, throwing for 2,659 yards, 15 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Pierce brings a different kind of leverage. Through eight games in 2025, he has 28 catches for 585 yards, averaging a blistering 20.9 yards per reception with one touchdown. He leads the league in yards per catch, which he also did last year (22.3 yards per grab).
“Teams I’ve talked to anticipate Pierce will hit a big number in free agency,” ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler added. “They think the $20 million per year threshold isn’t out of the question for him. Pierce is poised for his first 1,000-yard season and has the size/speed combination teams covet. The Colts have decisions to make on offense. If they pay Daniel Jones — who has chemistry with Pierce — do they let Pierce walk? Much of that will depend on how Pierce’s market develops. The Colts typically don’t do extensions during the season.”
Jones Is Very Likely Sticking Around
With the Colts sitting at 8-2 and sitting atop the AFC, the front office signaled its belief in Jones by making a blockbuster trade for Sauce Gardner. A franchise doesn’t give up that level of capital unless it believes its quarterback is worth building around. That means Jones is likely headed for a contract north of $100 million.
Here’s the thing: Indianapolis can squeeze deals for both Pierce and Jones into its 2026 structure, but not without maneuvering — and not with out a little luck.
Given how much both have meant to the Colts’ resurgence, the team may move heaven and earth to re-sign them. But if Pierce’s number truly approaches $20 million per year and has a team or two willing to go higher, he may be headed to play elsewhere while Jones sticks around.
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