Alec Pierce just broke the bank in free agency, and he has Daniel Jones’ hardline negotiation tactics to thank.
In a class of available receivers described as underwhelming by one NFL executive, Pierce capitalized on being the top option by agreeing to a four-year deal worth $116 million with the Colts, according to reports.
The Colts had hoped to re-sign or franchise tag Pierce, 25, last week to keep him off the open market but got a deal done anyway.
Once free-agent negotiations stalled with Jones – who asked for $50 million per year when the Colts were offering around $33 million per year, according to SI.com – general manager Chris Ballard was forced to transition tag his quarterback (one year, $37.8 million) to keep him under team control.
Alex Pierce catches the winning touchdown in the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium. USA TODAY Sports Teams are permitted to use only one tag, which meant that Pierce was able to negotiate with other teams beginning Monday.
It didn’t take long for Pierce to strike a new deal with Indianapolis. He has never had 50 catches in a season during his four-year career, but he has led the NFL in yards per catch in each of the last two seasons (22.3 and 21.3, respectively) and teams are willing to play for game-breaking speed and big plays.
Jones was seeking $48 million per year in March 2023, and the Giants negotiated a four-year, $160 million contract extension.
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That extension meant franchise-tagging Saquon Barkley for one year and then losing him in free agency to the eventual Super Bowl champion Eagles in 2024. Without Barkley, Jones’ flaws were highlighted and he was cut less than two years into his extension.
Alec Pierce led the NFL in yards per catch the past two seasons. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images Jones is free to negotiate with other teams on the transition tag, but the Colts can match any contract tender. If they do not match, they receive no compensation for losing Jones.
When Monday began, there were eight receivers making at least $30 million per year, including trade candidates A.J. Brown (Eagles) and Brandon Aiyuk (49ers). The top of the market belongs to the Bengals’ Ja’Marr Chase ($40.25 million).
