The Denver Broncos are in need of consistent offensive playmakers.
Guys who not only show up game in and game out, but can stay on the field. As the old adage goes, the best ability is availability.
In the best season for the Broncos in a decade, it was too hit-and-miss on the offensive side of the ball. For Bo Nix and Denver to take the next step, offensive consistency and making plays are a great way to ensure that happens. And George Paton and Sean Payton finally have the salary cap space to make the moves that are required.
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One possible player the Broncos could target is receiver Alec Pierce. The problem is that multiple teams will attempt 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 stats: 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 possible free agent receivers, few are better than Pierce. The four-year receiver for the Indianapolis Colts catches everything thrown his way, and he has deep-play ability. Both could serve Nix and the Broncos in a major way.
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His numbers in the latter half of the 2025 season took a major hit when quarterback Daniel Jones got injured. Still, Pierce put up 47 catches for 1,003 yards and six touchdowns. The two stats that highlight why Denver should look into him are his yards per catch average at 21.3 and his one drop. That’s the level of production the Broncos need on offense.
And it’s not a flash in the pan either. In 2024, Pierce had 22.3 yards per catch. Consistently stretching the field and maintaining deep-play consistency would instantly make the Broncos better. And it’s what Payton’s offense has lacked the last two years.
Yes, Marvin Mims and Troy Franklin have the potential, but it’s not consistent. Adding someone like Pierce changes that. Pairing Courtland Sutton and Pierce could prove to be the receiver duo that moves the needle in a way that puts this offense over the top.
Pierce’s competitiveness is also off the charts. He shows up game in, game out, and each and every play. He’s a giant pain in the ass for defenders.
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Pierce would also make the rest of the receiver 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 could use the franchise tag on Pierce if they don’t use it on Jones. If Indianapolis uses the franchise tag on Pierce, obviously, that ends all discussions. If they use it on Jones, let the competition begin.
And rest assured, it will be a competition. Multiple teams will look to sign Jones if he hits the open market. The question then for the Broncos: Do they want to get into a bidding war?
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The Buffalo Bills will be atop the list for Pierce’s services. The Tennessee Titans are likely to want Pierce, and they would be the most likely to “overpay.” Potentially the Kansas City Chiefs, since Patrick Mahomes is in need of playmakers at receiver of his own.
There’s no doubt that Denver is attractive, and Paton and Payton have the Walmart money to add to their bid. As well as 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 a fit and choose to go in a different direction for its offensive playmaker.
Final thoughts
It’s no secret the Broncos need consistent playmakers on offense. Pierce could bring that consistent deep-play ability and sure hand Denver needs on that side of the ball.
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That’s if Pierce hits free agency, and, if he does, there will be steep competition for his services.
The Broncos will be smart with what they do and how they use that Walmart money. They won’t get into a bidding war. They’ll use the fact that Denver is a desired destination again to lure a player like Pierce to the franchise. Is that enough? Will Paton and Payton even want Pierce?
Pierce would be a fun addition for Nix and the Broncos offense. Time will tell if it turns into a match.
