Pittsburgh Steelers v Indianapolis Colts | Justin Casterline/GettyImages

It is a nice change of pace in New England at this point in the season to be focused on the playoffs rather than already looking ahead to free agency and the NFL Draft. But that doesn’t mean it’s too early to eye some of the top candidates that will inevitably be on their radar, including a wide receiver like Alec Pierce.

The receiving corps is certainly going into the 2026 offseason much better equipped than in recent years, as the entire roster is under contract for next year. That makes their needs a bit less dire, yet when a 1,000+-yard receiver hits the market for the first time, there’s no reason for the Patriots to pass on possibly getting him in the door.

Pierce is already considered one of the top free agents in the class, and at just 25 years old, he brings a fiery attitude that fits exactly what Mike Vrabel is trying to build in New England, and should most definitely be at the top of their list.

That likely explains Ethan Hurwitz of OnSI’s prediction that he will become the next big signing the new regime makes, and it’s difficult to argue against it.

The Patriots are going to continue prioritizing building around Drake Maye in 2026

While making a long list of predictions for 2026, Hurwitz suggests the Patriots will be the winner of the Pierce sweepstakes and sign him to a hefty contract to give Drake Maye another weapon.

The idea of a Kayshon Boutte, Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins, and Alec Pierce receiver room almost sounds to good to be true.

“The Patriots won’t be overly aggressive in free agency, but will hit on some players that fit their scheme. At the top of that list is Pierce, whose sure hands and deep ball ability is a dream come true for Josh McDaniels and Drake Maye.

A 3-year deal worth upwards of $70 million could lure the 1,000-yard receiver to New England.”

Considering Maye has become one of the best and most accurate deep-ball throwers in the league, ensuring he has a reliable top target in that area is a massive move for the Patriots to pull off.

There might be flashier names that will be available that Patriots fans might find more exciting than Pierce, even as a deep ball catcher, like Mike Evans or George Pickens, but Pierce is at a stage in his career where he is headed on an upward trajectory and can learn and grow alongside a young quarterback like Maye.

That makes him all the more interesting to consider, and the Patriots have the means to pull off the deal to steal him from the Colts and make their quarterback’s future even brighter.