Alec Pierce 'Absolutely' Would've Signed With This Team in Free Agency

The Washington Commanders were all in on Alec Pierce this offseason. 

Unfortunately for them, Pierce stayed with the Indianapolis Colts before the legal tampering window really got rolling, and Washington was left chasing other options at a position it still needs help at. 

ESPN’s John Keim reported that one source said Pierce “absolutely” would have signed with the Commanders if he had actually reached free agency.

Alec Pierce Commanders buzz was very real

The 25-year-old just turned in a breakout 2025 season with 47 catches for 1,003 yards and six touchdowns, while averaging 21.3 yards per catch, the second-best mark in the league. 

That kind of vertical threat would have changed the look of Washington’s offense in a hurry, especially for a team still trying to find a legit running mate for Terry McLaurin. 

The Commanders wanted to sign Colts WR Alec Pierce, and were told that he’d “absolutely” sign in Washington if he reached free agency, per John Keim.

However, the Colts worked urgently to finalize a 4-year/$114M deal with Pierce at the start of the legal tampering period. pic.twitter.com/LMf3Pm1p3L

— Football Forever (@fballforeverhq) March 19, 2026

Instead, Pierce re-upped with Indianapolis on a four-year, $116 million deal before the Commanders could get their shot at him on the open market. 

Commanders still need a true WR2 after missing Pierce

That’s what makes this one sting a bit more. 

Washington did add depth, bringing in Dyami Brown and Van Jefferson while also re-signing Treylon Burks, but Keim reported the Commanders still want a stronger complement to McLaurin. 

They also pursued Romeo Doubs before he chose the New England Patriots, so that's two names already this offseason. 

When you look at where the roster stands, it’s pretty obvious why the urgency is there. Washington went 5-12 in 2025, and while Daniels remains the centerpiece, the receiver room is definitely still incomplete.

Alec Pierce preferred to play in a “more stable situation” in Indianapolis, with a franchise QB.

Pierce and his camp didn’t necessarily view the #Patriots in that group, per source. https://t.co/4Kf1geaBHh

— Drake Silver (@Gordon_Hultz) March 9, 2026

For now, the Brandon Aiyuk angle still hangs around the conversation, but even that sounds more cautious than aggressive. 

Keim reported Washington would be unlikely to trade for Aiyuk and, if he became available, would likely only view him as a one-year prove-it type. 

Photo Credit: Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images