The Denver Broncos need consistent playmakers.
Guys who don’t just show up in the game and come out, but who can stay on the field. As the old saying goes, the best skill is acquired.
In the Broncos’ best season in a decade, it was very hit and miss on the offensive side of the football. For Bo Nix and Denver to take the next step, consistency offensively and making plays is a great way to make sure that happens. And George Paton and Sean Payton finally have the salary cap space to make the necessary moves.
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One player the Broncos may target is receiver Alec Pierce. The problem is that many teams will try to sign the 6-foot-3, 211-pound wideout who catches everything thrown his way.
Player Profile
Height: 6-3
Weight: 211 pounds
Experience: 4 NFL seasons
Age: 25
2025 figures: 47 receptions, 1,003 yards, 6 touchdown catches, 21.3 yards per catch, 1 drop (per Pro Football Focus).
Why the Broncos should sign receiver Alec Pierce
When it comes to potential free agent receivers, few are better than Pierce. The four-year receiver for the Indianapolis Colts catches everything thrown his way, and has deep playmaking skills. Both could serve Nix and the Broncos in a big way.
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His numbers in the final half of the 2025 season were greatly affected when quarterback Daniel Jones was injured. Still, Pierce had 47 catches for 1,003 yards and six touchdowns. Two stats that highlight why Denver should look to him are his yards per catch average of 21.3 and his one touchdown. That’s the level of production the Broncos need on offense.
And it’s not a flash in the pan either. In 2024, Pierce averaged 22.3 yards per catch. Consistently stretching the field and maintaining deep play consistency could make the Broncos better quickly. And that’s what Payton’s offense has lacked the past two years.
Yes, Marvin Mims and Troy Franklin are strong, but they are not compatible. Adding someone like Pierce changes that. Pairing Courtland Sutton with Pierce could prove to be the two receivers that move the needle in a way that puts this offense over the top.
Pierce’s competitiveness is also off the charts. It shows the game in, the game out, and the entire game. He is a giant of defenders.
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Pierce will make every reception room better. When it comes to fit, few are as seamless as Pierce.
Why the Broncos shouldn’t sign receiver Alec Pierce
It’s not certain that Pierce even hits free agency in early March. The Colts can use the franchise tag on Pierce if they don’t use it on Jones. If Indianapolis applies the franchise tag to Pierce, obviously, that ends all negotiations. If they use it on Jones, let the competition begin.
And rest assured, it will be a competition. Many teams will look to sign Jones when he hits the open market. The question for the Broncos: Do they want to enter the bidding war?
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The Buffalo Bills will be at the top of the list for Pierce’s services. The Tennessee Titans may want Pierce, and they are likely to “overpay.” A possibility would be the Kansas City Chiefs, as Patrick Mahomes needs players to play receiver.
There is no doubt that Denver is attractive, and Paton and Payton have Walmart money to add to their bid. And Nix. But the Broncos will have their number, Pierce and his team will have theirs, so is there a sweet spot?
Of course, this is all based on the assumption that Denver wants Pierce. The team may not see it as appropriate and choose to go the other way for their attacking player.
Final thoughts
It’s no secret that the Broncos need consistent players on offense. Pierce can bring that consistent deep playmaking ability and sure hand that Denver needs on that side of the ball.
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That is if Pierce hits free agency, and, if he does, there will be a lot of competition for his services.
The Broncos will be smart about what they do and how they spend that Walmart money. They will not enter into a bidding war. They will use the fact that Denver is a desirable destination again to lure a player like Pierce to the franchise. Is that enough? Will Patton and Payton look for Pierce?
Pierce would be an exciting addition to Nix and the Broncos offense. Time will tell if it turns into a game.
