With the 2025-26 NFL season now in the books, the New York Jets are in a prime position this offseason to completely retool the grim roster prior to the 2026 season.

One of the main positions that general manager Darren Mougey must address is the wide receiver corps. The Jets’ passing attack was one of the worst in the NFL last season, but luckily, there’s a chance that the organization could fill the void in free agency.

Earlier this week, NFL insider Connor Hughes discussed the five free agents that the Jets could target this offseason, with Indianapolis Colts’ wide receiver Alec Pierce being part of the mix.

“It was Reich who selected Pierce in the second round of the 2022 draft,” Hughes wrote. “As a rookie, he caught 41 passes for 593 yards and two touchdowns. Since then, he has developed into one of the league’s ascending receivers, finishing the 2025 season with 47 receptions for 1,003 yards and six scores. The obstacle for the Jets is cost. Pierce is widely viewed as the top wide receiver potentially available, particularly if the Cowboys place the franchise tag on George Pickens. With multiple teams expected to pursue him, the Jets may need to exceed an already projected $20 million annual salary to land him.”

Pierce, who was a second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, had a slow rise to glory. During his first two seasons in the NFL, the talented playmaker recorded over 1,000 receiving yards and four touchdowns, playing behind the likes of veteran Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs.

However, Pierce would have a breakout season in 2025, as he quickly became the Colts’ leading pass catcher. Last season, the 25-year-old finished his fourth season with 1,003 receiving yards and six touchdowns on 47 catches.

At 6-foot-3, 211 lbs., Pierce is known for being an elite playmaker downfield and an excellent jump ball receiver. This was made clear throughout his past two seasons in Indianapolis, as he averaged an incredible 22.3 and 21.3 yards per reception.

Unfortunately for the Jets, the main issue with trying to sign Pierce this offseason will be trying to pry him away from the Colts. Indianapolis could place the franchise tag on Pierce, which would cost the organization roughly $28 million if they do not reach a potential contract extension.

Luckily, if Pierce does not receive the franchise tag, the Jets have one of the best cap situations across the NFL. With more than $83 million in cap space, New York could easily sign him to a long-term deal and be the perfect complementary piece alongside star wideout Garrett Wilson.