Adam Peters couldn't be accused of being tentative over the early stages of free agency. The general manager turned over every stone in pursuit of making improvements. Some intriguing names were acquired, but not every swing by the Washington Commanders went over the fences.
The Commanders went big-fish hunting at the wide receiver position soon after the legal tampering window opened. Romeo Doubs opted to join the New England Patriots. Alec Pierce was another option, but he chose to stay with the Indianapolis Colts instead.
And a new revelation about Pierce's outlook, if he hit the open market, will make Commanders fans sick.
Alec Pierce would have signed for the Commanders, but the Colts didn't let him test the market
ESPN insider John Keim, citing sources with close knowledge of the situation, reported that Washington would have made a strong push for Pierce before the Colts got something worked out at the 11th hour. He added that the wideout would have signed for the Commanders if given the chance to do so.
"According to sources with knowledge of the team's thinking, Washington would have pursued Indianapolis wideout Alec Pierce had he not opted to stay with Indianapolis before the legal negotiating period began. One source with knowledge of the situation said Pierce "absolutely" would have signed with the Commanders if free."
This will sting, of course. The Commanders are still looking for another prolific option to place opposite Terry McLaurin, whose future beyond 2026 is under increasing scrutiny. Pierce is the sort of young, explosive pass-catcher Washington should be looking for, but unfortunately for them, Indianapolis recognized his importance and paid up to keep him around.
The 2022 second-round pick out of Cincinnati signed a four-year, $114 million contract. Pierce received a $26 million signing bonus, $84 million in guaranteed money, and an average annual salary of $28.5 million. The Commanders have the financial resources to absorb this commitment even now, but it wasn't to be.
Washington signed Dyami Brown and Van Jefferson Jr., but they are seen more as rotational pieces than anything else. The Commanders are still seeking a legitimate difference-maker, and there are still avenues Peters can pursue to achieve this objective.
Brandon Aiyuk remains the hot name, but the San Francisco 49ers are being difficult about it, which is their prerogative. Jauan Jennings is arguably the best remaining veteran on the market, and Peters knows him well. The Commanders may also look to the 2026 NFL Draft, which would bring Ohio State prospect Carnell Tate into consideration at No. 7 overall.
Whatever Peters decides, it won't be Pierce. But if the Colts had let him test the market, there is a good chance he'd have landed in Washington.
It won't make fans feel better, but it does show that the project's attractiveness still remains. That's something, at least.