The New England Patriots wasted little time reshaping their offense after releasing veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs. The move cleared significant salary cap space and immediately shifted attention to the free agent market.
Now, reports suggest the Patriots may already have a target in mind to replace Diggs’ production.
Alec Pierce Emerges as Key Target for Patriots
According to reports by PFSN’s Jacob Infante, the Patriots are expected to make a strong push for Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce in free agency.
The move would align with recent signals from the organization. NFL insider Ian Rapoport previously noted the Patriots were “clearing the decks” financially for a major addition at wide receiver. Pierce appears to be one of the names being monitored closely.
Pierce could be looking at a contract worth around two years and $44 million, a figure that reflects his growing value after a standout season in Indianapolis.
The Colts receiver delivered the most productive year of his career in 2025. Pierce finished with 47 receptions for 1,003 yards and six touchdowns while leading the NFL with an impressive 21.3 yards per reception. It marked the second straight season he averaged more than 20 yards per catch.
Pierce became the first player since Flipper Anderson in 1990 to lead the NFL in yards per reception in consecutive seasons.
Advanced metrics paint an even stronger picture. Pierce was ranked ninth in PFSN’s WR Impact metric with an 84.6 grade. That mark placed him ahead of several high-profile stars, including Nico Collins, CeeDee Lamb, and Justin Jefferson.
Reliability has also become part of his profile. Pierce dropped just one pass on 84 targets in 2025, while quarterbacks targeting him generated a strong 113.7 passer rating.
Over four seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, Pierce has played in 64 games, totaling 157 receptions for 2,934 yards and 17 touchdowns. His combination of size and speed has made him one of the most dangerous vertical threats in the league.
For New England, the potential fit is obvious. Quarterback Drake Maye needs explosive targets as the Patriots continue building around their young passer.
Pierce could provide that immediately.
At 25 years old, he would also align with the Patriots’ desire to get younger at the position. Diggs, who turns 33 this season, was productive with 85 receptions for 1,013 yards in 2025 but carried a rapidly rising cap hit.
Free agency is expected to bring competition. Teams such as the Raiders and Colts could remain involved in the market. Still, the Patriots appear positioned to be aggressive.
With cap space freed and a need for playmakers around Maye, New England may soon make its biggest offensive move of the offseason.
