Colts WR Alec Pierce linked with AFC rival

Wide receiver Alec Pierce gave Indianapolis Colts fans some bad news earlier this week when he confirmed that he plans "to explore free agency, see what's out there and make a decision that's best for my career and for my family" once the "legal tampering" portion of free agency gets underway at noon ET this coming Monday. 

It sounds like at least one AFC team could heavily pursue Pierce following this coming weekend. 

This team is "hot for" Alec Pierce? 

On Thursday, NFL insider Tony Pauline of EssentiallySports shared that the New England Patriots "are hot for Pierce and are expected to make a big push for the wideout." The Patriots were in need of help at the position even before it was learned that they are parting ways with veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs after just a single season. 

The Patriots are among a handful of teams that have been linked with current Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown. Brown had Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel as his head coach with the Tennessee Titans from the 2019 NFL Draft through the 2021 season, but some NFL executives believe Eagles general manager Howie Roseman is "not exactly a motivated seller" as it pertains to Brown's services. 

On Thursday, NFL insider Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported that Roseman currently wants a first-round draft pick and a second-round selection in return for Brown. Meanwhile, Pierce is set to reach free agency after the Colts used the transition tag to retain the rights to quarterback Daniel Jones.

What teams may outbid the Patriots for Alec Pierce?

According to Pauline, the Titans and Las Vegas Raiders "are two teams ready to make a bid for Pierce." Additionally, the Pittsburgh Steelers, Washington Commanders and New York Giants could also look to land Pierce next week. 

Interestingly, Pauline added that the Patriots have "displayed little interest in" Tampa Bay Buccaneers icon Mike Evans. It's unclear if New England's alleged thoughts on signing Evans could change if Pierce elects to go elsewhere once the new league year officially opens this coming Wednesday afternoon. 

For a piece published on Friday, ESPN's Dan Graziano predicted that Pierce will sign a three-year, $80M contract with $55M guaranteed to join the Los Angeles Chargers.