Colts' Gardner Jokes, Pierce Weighs Offseason Options

0:00The latest scores, headlines, and storylines, right here on NFL News Today. Subscribe and stay game ready. Colts fans got a laugh this week when defensive back softs Gardiner joked on social media about locking wide receiver Alec Pierce in his basement too. Force him to stay in Indianapolis. Pierce is hitting free agency this offseason after the team chose not to use the franchise tag on him. Gardner's post came right as rumors swirled about Pierce testing the market. Pierce has stepped up big time over the last two seasons. In the 2024 NFL season, he racked up 824 receiving yards and seven touchdowns on 37 catches. Then in 2025, he hit a career high with a thousand three receiving yards and six scores on 47 receptions. The joke highlights how much the team values Pierce, who they drafted in the second round back in 2022 with a four year deal worth six million six hundred thousand dollars. Quarterback Daniel Jones, now locked in with the franchise tag, would love his deep threat

1:03back under center for 2026. Colts brass knows they need to step up with a strong offer to keep him, especially with his improved play drawing eyes from around the league. Other teams are sure to come calling for the former Cincinnati standout. For now, it's all fun and gains with Gardner's tweet, but the real drama unfolds as free agency nears and Pierce weighs his options. This story is made possible by our sponsor. Your pillow just got smarter. It plays your podcasts and music.