Colts free agency rumor could lead to rising star signing with 49ers, Patriots or Raiders

The Indianapolis Colts want to retain wide receiver Alec Pierce as free agency kicks off on Monday, but it won't be easy.

According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, the New England Patriots, Las Vegas Raiders, and San Francisco 49ers are teams to keep an eye on in the Pierce sweepstakes.

Breer also believes Pierce will land a deal worth $28 to $30 million annually.

"The Patriots, Raiders and 49ers are all teams to watch. Each is also expected to be in on other receivers. New England’s been in contact with Philly on A.J. Brown (more on that coming). Vegas is a logical destination for Seahawks free agent Rashid Shaheed, who was with Kubiak the second half of last year in Seattle (and in New Orleans the season before that). San Francisco, meanwhile, would be a fit for Packers free agent Romeo Doubs, as the Niners consider post–Brandon Aiyuk plans," Breer said.

If Indianapolis isn't able to re-sign Pierce, the Patriots, Raiders, and 49ers would be logical landing spots.

New England has a massive need at receiver after releasing Stefon Diggs, and Pierce would immediately step in as a dynamic playmaker in Josh McDaniels' offense for quarterback Drake Maye.

Las Vegas also needs to upgrade its receiver room, and with the franchise having nearly $112 million in cap space, throwing a ton of money at Pierce to serve as the potential No. 1 receiver would be a risky move, but one the Raiders should be comfortable making.

San Francisco's receiver group could look a lot different in 2026, especially if Jauan Jennings departs free agency and when they inevitably cut Brandon Aiyuk. Pierce would be an electric fit in Kyle Shanahan's offense and would give quarterback Brock Purdy an explosive deep threat he didn't have in 2025.

The Colts should work to bring Pierce back, but if he leaves Indianapolis, the Patriots, Raiders, and 49ers could be his top landing spots.

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