Saints eye elusive receiver, but Colts may franchise tag their star. Will Indy's dilemma open the door for New Orleans?
The New Orleans Saints are viewed as a team looking for an upgrade at wide receiver in the NFL draft and free agency. If they want to get a deal done before the draft, they could have competition.
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce has become a potential target for the team as we look toward the upcoming free agent portal opening. Yet the Colts will have the first say on whether or not Pierce ends up departing from Indy.
ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler reports that the Indianapolis Colts could franchise tag the big-time player at receiver. Fowler wrote the following.
"Whether Indianapolis uses the franchise or transition tag on quarterback Daniel Jones or wide receiver Alec Pierce was a front-of-mind topic at the combine. The team has made it clear to Pierce that he will be a Colt, either through a tag or a long-term deal, before the new league year. The Colts have work to do to make that happen, but that is the plan. But while Pierce seems like a logical tag candidate, multiple people connected to the situation believe Jones is a prime candidate for it.
Pierce has a good relationship with Jones. If the team tags Pierce but doesn't reach a deal with Jones, for example, that could be an issue for Pierce. Conversely, tagging Jones ensures he will be there in 2026, a move that would appeal to Pierce.
A franchise tag for Pierce would come in around $27 million, while Jones would get $43.9 million on the franchise tag and $37.8 million on the transition. Those numbers are steep but reasonable. The Colts haven't tipped their hand in a possible direction. Pierce would command a massive contract if he hit free agency. In November, we reported his market could hit $20 million. Think higher now."
Daniel Jones' lack of a contract makes for an interesting wrinkle to the Colts' franchise tag plans. As Saints fans would probably tell you, having a great wide receiver doesn't matter nearly as much as having a good quarterback. There's simply too much within the quarterback's control.
Adding Pierce would not come cheap. The Saints' tough salary cap position could make things difficult. Nevertheless, with the Colts' difficult franchise tag dilemma, it is possible that Pierce could be an option for the Saints in 2026.
We'll monitor the free agent wide receiver market for New Orleans as it unfolds.