Alec Pierce isn't like most modern wide receivers. The NFL's pa sing game isn't as deep-ball focused as it used to be, but Pierce makes nearly all his plays quite a bit down the field for the . That makes him a curious case as he heads toward free agency this offseason. "The NFL as a whole has moved toward shorter pa ses going back to the West Coast offense's arrival in the 1980s, a trend that has only accelerated over the past decade," . "Pierce, on the other hand, averaged 22.3 yards per reception in 2024 and 21.3 yards per catch in 2025, leading the league both times. The last time a player had two seasons with at least 30 catches or more while Kenrich Williams Jersey averaging more than 20 yards per reception over his first four pro campaigns was all the way back in 1994, when Alvin Harper did it in his third and fourth seasons for the ." MORE: How do you pay a guy who isn't like the other WRs you'd consider in his place? In some ways, that makes Pierce an expensive rarity. Barnwell expects Pierce to get paid as such, even if it means he comes in at a number that surprises most casual football fans. "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," Barnwell writes. "The 2026tag for wide receiversis 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." MORE: The franchise tag could also be a useful tool for the Colts if they really just want to see Pierce maintain similar production for another season. Indy is still figuring out the QB position and hoping Daniel Jones heals up to lead the way in the 2026 season. If all the pieces work just fine in 2026, then maybe Pierce finally gets his longer-term deal. Or maybe he will get it this offseason, potentially with big money from another team to poach him from the Colts. It's definitely a fascinating case, one that could redefine certain aspects of the WR market going forward. More NFL news: Jarrod Uthoff Jersey