Colts Lock Up Pierce, Patriots Miss Out

0:00On March 9th, the Indianapolis Colts locked up wide receiver Alec Pierce with a four-year contract worth $116 million. The New England Patriots had hoped to snag him in free agency but struck out on the deal. Earlier this week, as free agency negotiations opened on Monday at noon, Pierce emerged as a prime target for New England. They had just cut ties with Stefan Diggs on March 4th. Their top receiver from the 2025 season, leaving a big gap at the position. Just delivered a breakout year for the Colts, posting his first 1,000-yard campaign, with 1,000 receiving yards. The 25-year-old Illinois product also topped the NFL in yards per catch at 21.3. Now the Pats must pivot in their hunt for a top-wide-out this off-season. They're already buzzing in trade rumors with the Philadelphia Eagles for AJ. Brown. Signing Windows Open March 11th. So New England has time to shake things up and fill that key role before next season.