There aren't many certainties during an NFL offseason, but when it comes to how the Patriots should approach free agency in 2026, it is clear they need to prioritize signing a high-caliber wide receiver, especially after releasing Stefon Diggs after just one season.
Their primary target continues to be Alec Pierce, who is set to hit the free agent market for the first time in his career. Rumors suggested the Colts were considering franchise-tagging him to ensure he remained with the team for one more year, but given their priority at quarterback, they chose to use the transition tag on Daniel Jones instead.
That makes Pierce the No. 1 receiver in most teams' eyes next week, and the Patriots might be in the best position to get him in the door. Not only has he made it clear that he wants a team with a solid plan at quarterback and to be their go-to target, but he is also hoping for a massive payday, which the Patriots can afford to offer.
Other teams, including the Colts, cannot, and their fans are already fearing the worst-case scenario, which seems inevitable at this point.
Colts fans are already dreading watching the Patriots sign Alec Pierce in free agency
While discussing the Patriots' recent release of Stefon Diggs, Colts' expert Lee Vowell of Horseshoe Heroes mentioned one big aspect of what Pierce recently spoke about what he's seeking in a new team: a lot of money.
Given the Colts' current situation with their cap space, as they are over the allotted money for the 2026 season, they have moves to make just to sign players they need, nevermind breaking the bank to keep someone like Pierce around, so the Patriots are likely going to steal the receiver away from his longtime team.
"The wide receiver wants to make generational wealth, and now he has the opportunity to do so. The Colts are not going to be able to offer him the money that many other teams can. That list will now include the New England Patriots after they let go of Stefon Diggs.
With the Patriots, Pierce could make more money and get more pass targets. It's likely a win-win for the player."
Unfortunately, that's far from a win for Indy.
For the Patriots, however, it certainly is, and they are on the cusp of having a WR1 under contract for more than just one season for the first time since Julian Edelman was still on the roster. Even better, they could add more talent beyond Pierce and really bulk up the offense for Drake Maye, which is something fans continue to hope becomes reality.
It should start by signing Pierce, especially since they now have the cap space to pull off a big-time signing. Pierce fits exactly what Vrabel looks for in a player, and he would be an absolute weapon for Maye to work with, particularly as a downfield threat.
That makes it an even more exciting free agency than what anyone was anticipating, and it's only better if they manage to steal a hot player away from a longtime rival like the Colts.