The New York Giants need a reliable, play-making wide receiver opposite Malik Nabers. Preferably, a big, field-stretching target for second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart.
Free agency, which begins in March, might provide the answer.
Indianapolis Colts’ wide receiver Alec Pierce, a 6-foot-3, 211-pounder who has averaged a ridiculous 21.75 yards on 84 catches over the past two seasons, is set to reach the free agent.
Pro Football Focus has Pierce as its 10th-ranked free agent and lists the Giants as Pierce’s best landing spot.
Pierce has taken significant steps over the past two seasons in order to cash in this offseason. His 81.6 PFF receiving grade since the start of the 2024 season ranks top 25 among all receivers. Pierce is a lethal deep threat that could transform any offense, as his 24 receptions on throws targeted 20-plus yards downfield ties for the third-most over that span.
Jaxson Dart was one of the most aggressive deep passers in college football coming out, recording the most 20-plus-yard passing attempts in the Power Four over his final two seasons. That resulted in the New York Giants posting the NFL’s highest deep passing rate last season, but the lack of a vertical threat that can take the top off of defenses was sorely missed. Pierce can step into that role and make an immediate impact.
ESPN’s Bill Barnwell wrote this about Pierce:
Pierce is a walking explosive-play threat, which makes him a very valuable player. I’m fascinated to see how high his market gets …
I don’t think it’s wild at all to suggest that Pierce could be looking at something in the ballpark of $30 million per year in free agency, which brings the franchise tag into play. The 2026 tag for wide receivers is projected to come in at $28.1 million. A second franchise tag in 2027 would be a minimum of $33.7 million. If the Colts want to re-sign Pierce (or if Pierce hits the market), I would expect his asking price to be a minimum of $62 million guaranteed over the first two seasons. That’s a lot of money for a player who hasn’t profiled as a No. 1 receiver over his career, but true top-end speed is hard to come by.
Is Pierce a player you would like to see come to the Giants?
