The New England Patriots went from a team that could use some wide receiver help to one that needs it in the worst way, as the impending release of Stefon Diggs puts them in a very precarious spot. Mike Vrabel knows that Drake Maye needs perimeter talent like Alec Pierce to recapture his 2025 form.
Pierce appeared to be as good as gone when the Indianapolis Colts chose to franchise-tag quarterback Daniel Jones and let him test the market, but it didn't take long for him to leave New England at the altar and head back to his familiar digs.
Pierce is going back to the Colts on a four-year deal worth $116 million, making his $29 million per year price tag the ninth-highest among receivers in the league. Pierce cost a pretty penny, but that doesn't negate the sting Patriots fans may feel after missing out on their top target.
Patriots miss on Alec Pierce as Colts bring back star WR
Pierce led the league in yards per catch over the last two seasons, which could have been a great fit in an offense that lives and dies on Maye's ability to hit deep passes down the field. Pierce's fit would have been fantastic, but
Pierce has never recorded more than 50 catches in a single season, and there is reason to expect that he can continue topping 20 yards per catch. Pierce is worth north of four figures, but $29 million per season is a bit too expensive for a player that has put up his level of production.
The Patriots' next best hope includes names like San Francisco's Jauan Jennings, Green Bay's Romeo Doubs, and New York's Wan'Dale Robinson. If they want to go the veteran angle, Tampa Bay's Mike Evans and Los Angeles' Keenan Allen could be looking for a new home.
The Patriots will likely do something to address their lack of high-end wide receiver talent, but Pierce would have been the best way for Vrabel to make a high-impact acquisition for years to come. New England, once again, may be forced to shop at the bargain bin for free agent upgrades.