The San Francisco 49ers dealt with injuries on the offensive side of the ball for the entirety of the 2025 season. It was a rarity for the 49ers to have all of their offensive weapons on the field, and star TE George Kittle tore his Achilles, so his health could be in danger.
With the lack of consistent play out of their receivers, the 49ers are expected to make a run at one of the top receivers on the market.
Insiders Point at 49ers, Urging Speedy WR Acquisition in Free Agency
The 49ers need to give Brock Purdy weapons on the outside. A divorce with Brandon Aiyuk seems a given at this point, and the 49ers couldn’t rely on Ricky Pearsall to stay on the field.
NFL insider Matt Maiocco reported they’ll be expected to try to add Colts WR Alec Pierce after his career year with Indianapolis in an attempt to bolster their pass catchers. Maiocco had plenty of praise for Pierce and how he’d fit in San Francisco.
“This is a guy that has good size… He’s very fast. He’s not a slot receiver so he’d be playing on the outside. But the one thing that really separates him is just his ability to make big plays,” said Maiocco.
Pierce is expected to be one of the top wide receivers available in this free agency cycle, if not the best option. Over his four years in the NFL, he’s racked up 17 touchdowns and 157 receptions.
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In 2025, he had his first 1,000-yard season and killed opposing defenses downfield. Pierce ranked as the 9th-best wide receiver in the PFSN NFL WR Impact with a grade of 84.6.
PIERCE & PEARSALL in 2026? 👀🔥
Insider Matt Maiocco believes the #49ers would be interested in Colts WR Alec Pierce in free agency.
Via: @MaioccoNBCS | #FTTB pic.twitter.com/pxbcfoGNyQ
— 49ers & NFL News 24/7 (@49ersSportsTalk) February 14, 2026
His speed will be an asset wherever he lands in the offseason. Pierce is a threat down the field. He may not make 100 catches a season, but when he does get the ball, it’s going to sting.
In the past two seasons, Pierce has averaged over 21 yards per reception. He is going to burn defenses and could provide a steady presence to the 49ers’ offense. Pierce would’ve been the leading receiver for the 49ers in 2025. Christian McCaffrey is an enormous threat as a pass catcher, but Purdy needs threats on the outside.
Pierce is just that, and if Pearsall can stay healthy for a sustained period of time, the 49ers’ receivers could look a lot better in 2026. Jauan Jennings is set to head to free agency and might not return, so they’ll need someone like Pierce to replace him.
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Pierce won’t be a given for any team as he’ll command plenty of interest around the league. The 49ers will have to pay a pretty penny for his services, but the fit makes sense, and the 49ers have to find some receiver help. Only time will tell if San Fran can land the big prize.
