The New York Jets’ offseason is expected to revolve heavily around fixing the offense to properly fit what Frank Reich and Aaron Glenn want, and that process won’t stop just at quarterback. Wide receiver is widely viewed as one of the biggest needs, especially with the organization lacking proven options outside of Garrett Wilson.
Nick Faria of Jets X-Factor believes one of the more logical and realistic connections could be in Indianapolis, where a familiar face could help Reich’s scheme in 25-year-old Alec Pierce.
While the elite name receivers will dominate early free-agency, Faria’s linking of the two sides focused more on fit, cost, and system. Pierce checks each of those boxes, especially given his developmental overlap with Reich during his early NFL tenure.
“The Colts drafted Pierce in the second round of the 2022 draft, heading into what would be Reich’s final year with the team. New York is in desperate need of multiple quality pass catchers next to Garrett Wilson, especially given Reich’s preference for 11 personnel packages. Pierce has developed into one of the league’s top deep threats, leading the NFL in yards per reception in each of the past two seasons,” he wrote.
“Pierce won’t demand top-flight money at the wide receiver position, but he won’t be cheap, either. There is an argument to be made that he is the best receiver in this year’s free agent class. The Jets desperately need receivers, though, so Pierce is worth the price, especially now that he is familiar with the offensive coordinator.”
Pierce is sneakily coming off a very impressive season, finishing with 1,003 yards and six touchdowns. He had decent quarterback play for a lot of the season with Daniel Jones, but he dealt with an older Philip Rivers for a lot of the year, too.
The financial situation also makes this connection realistic. Pierce won’t get the type of contract as WR1 superstars, but his market value is rising after back-to-back seasons of great play. For a Jets team balancing multiple roster upgrades, that middle-tier pricing could prove ideal.
With all the help the Jets need on the offensive side of things, it makes a lot of sense.