Tyler Shough's breakout sparks Saints' possible pursuit of explosive Colts receiver Alec Pierce. Can New Orleans secure this vertical threat to unlock their offense's full potential?
As the 2026 NFL offseason kicks into high gear, the New Orleans Saints find themselves in a familiar position: needing an injection of explosive talent to surround a rising young quarterback. This year, that quarterback is Tyler Shough, whose breakout rookie campaign has the Big Easy dreaming of a return to postseason relevance.
If Mickey Loomis wants to maximize Shough’s window, he should look no further than Indianapolis Colts standout Alec Pierce. After a 1,000-yard breakout season in 2025 where he led the league in yards per reception (21.3) for the second straight year, Pierce has become the ultimate "missing piece" candidate for a Saints offense that needs a vertical threat.
Why Pierce is the Perfect Fit for New Orleans
The Saints' offense showed flashes of brilliance under Shough, but it lacked a consistent deep-ball threat who could stretch the field and open up underneath routes for the rest of the receiving corps.
- The Vertical Element: Pierce is a "walking explosive play." Averaging over 21 yards per catch isn't just a stat; it’s a defensive nightmare. Pairing his 4.41 speed and 6'3" frame with Shough’s aggressive arm would give New Orleans the most dangerous deep-passing attack it's had since the prime Michael Thomas/Brandin Cooks era.
- The Age Factor: At just 25, Pierce fits the timeline of a rebuilding Saints roster. He isn't a "stop-gap" veteran; he’s a cornerstone you can build around for the next five years.
- The "Draft Alternative": While the Saints hold the No. 8 overall pick in the 2026 Draft and have been linked to prospects like Carnell Tate, Pierce is a proven NFL commodity. Signing him allows the Saints to use that top-10 pick on a high-end offensive lineman or a pass rusher like Peter Woods, addressing two needs at once.
The Obstacles: Money and Motivation
Landing Pierce won't be easy. He is arguably the No. 1 wide receiver hitting the open market, and the competition will be fierce.
- The Price Tag: Analysts project Pierce’s market value to be in the $28M–$30M per year range. For a Saints team that is always doing "cap gymnastics," this would require another masterclass in restructuring from Loomis.
- The Colts' Leverage: Indianapolis knows what they have. Rumors suggest they are considering the franchise tag (projected at $28.1M) to keep him in Indy, especially since Pierce has expressed a desire to stay if the Colts retain QB Daniel Jones.
- The Competition: The Titans, Steelers, and Patriots—all of whom have significant cap space—are expected to be in a bidding war for his services.
How the Saints Possibly Make This Work
While the Saints enter the 2026 offseason projected to be $21M–$24M over the cap, they can easily clear space for Pierce's $7.75M Year 1 hit through three specific moves:
- Restructure DE Chase Young: Converting his $14.8M salary into a bonus clears $10.9M.
- Extend WR Chris Olave: A long-term extension for Olave (entering his 5th-year option) can lower his 2026 hit by $8.5M.
- Restructure TE Juwan Johnson: Simple conversion clears another $6.3M.
The Result: These moves alone generate $25.7M in space—more than enough to sign Pierce, pay their draft class, and keep a "rainy day" fund.
The Proposed Possible Contract: "The Big Easy Vertical"
Player: Alec Pierce (WR)
Total Value: $92 Million (4 Years)
Average Annual Value (AAV): $23 Million
Total Guaranteed: $58 Million (Fully guaranteed at signing: $42M
The Possibility
The Saints shouldn't just be "interested" in Alec Pierce, they should be aggressive. The synergy between a vertical threat like Pierce and a young, confident arm like Shough is too perfect to ignore.
While the projected guarantee is a steep price, it’s the cost of doing business for a team that wants to win now. For Pierce, this deal offers $42M upfront (Signing Bonus + 2026 Salary + 2027 Salary), providing him with security after his rookie contract. More importantly, it places him in an offense where Tyler Shough's 2025 deep-ball accuracy (ranked top-5 for rookies) ensures Pierce won't just be running "cardio routes," but consistently seeing targets 20+ yards downfield.
If the Saints can convince Pierce that he would be a great additional WR in New Orleans, they might just secure the piece that elevates Tyler Shough from a "good rookie" to a "franchise superstar."