The Washington Commanders were willing to swing for the fences with wide receiver Alec Pierce. A recent report from ESPN team insider John Keim claimed the player would have strongly considered the franchise, but the Indianapolis Colts didn't let things get that far.
General manager Adam Peters deserves credit for at least trying. Even so, one NFL analyst didn't think there was much to Keim's report, especially given how business is conducted around the league.
Pierce was looking for a bumper payday after coming of age during the 2025 season. The Colts left it until the 11th hour, but they eventually put together a lucrative financial commitment to keep the pass-catcher around. Washington also struck out with Romeo Doubs, so the club is still seeking a productive piece to put opposite Terry McLaurin.
NFL analyst doesn't believe Commanders were that serious about Alec Pierce
Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk speculated whether the Commanders would have let Pierce's representatives know about their willingness to outbid the Colts. The analyst also didn't think the wideout would have committed to Indianapolis if a better offer had been on the table.
"If the Commanders were going to out-bid the Colts for [Alec] Pierce, they would have made sure Pierce’s agent knew that before he re-signed with the Colts. Teams and agents talk all the time, and Pierce wouldn’t have signed with the Colts just before the start of the negotiating window unless he had a very good idea of what other offers would be out there once the window officially opened.
"So while the Commanders may have wanted Pierce, that doesn’t mean they would have gotten him, even if Pierce had waited long enough to let them make him an official offer."
The NFL implemented a legal tampering window, but almost everyone believes things happen behind the scenes across the league long before then. Either the Commanders did everything by the book, or they weren't willing to inform Pierce's agent about their intentions.
There is just no telling for sure. This could be a lucky escape for the Commanders if Pierce doesn't match his enormous new price tag. But if last season becomes the springboard to a prolific prime for the player, regret is only going to grow.
What's important for the Commanders is finding the right fit. Speculation continues to mount about Brandon Aiyuk joining the team. Jauan Jennings is another with previous ties to Peters. The Commanders could also go down the draft route, using the No. 7 pick on someone with Ohio State prospect Carnell Tate's skill set.
Pierce would have been nice, but it's not the end of the world.