Indianapolis Colts prepared to make free agent offer to potential Alec Pierce replacement

The NFL’s new league year is less than a week away. Teams are reviewing their 2026 roster strategies in order to put themselves in a position to compete next season.

The Indianapolis Colts are a team that made a choice to keep Daniel Jones over their wide receiver, Alec Pierce. Though they wanted to keep Pierce, it makes sense that they decided to prioritize retaining their quarterback.

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Reports have indicated that the Colts have a contingency plan if they lose Pierce in free agency. They have a specific name in mind.

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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) yells at the line of scrimmage Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, during a game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) yells at the line of scrimmage Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, during a game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Former Seattle Seahawk and New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed is at the top of their contingency plans. The dynamic receiver was coveted at the trade deadline last year, eventually going to Seattle.

Pierce and Shaheed are among the top available receivers in free agency. Both are expected to have a strong market–maybe stronger than the Colts can afford.

MORE: New York Jets reportedly eyeing a reunion with their former quarterback

The Colts certainly want to return to their early 2025 form, where they started the season 7-1. Jones’ season-ending injury set them back, but Pierce continued to produce.

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Jan 25, 2026; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) runs in the first half against the Los Angeles Rams in the 2026 NFC Championship Game at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

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Shaheed is not only a dynamic receiver, but he is also an excellent special teams playmaker. His services will be well sought out for the 2026 season.