NFL teams had until 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday to apply the franchise tag to their own pending free agents before they're slated to hit the open market next week. The Indianapolis Colts made the decision to slap quarterback Daniel Jones with the transition tag, they announced. With only one tag permitted per organization, Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce went untagged.
The Colts now possess roughly one week to sign Pierce to a multi-year contract. He's currently slated to be the top free-agent receiver. The Tennessee Titans have been routinely linked to Pierce throughout the offseason.
The initial belief was that Pierce would be tagged by the Colts. That supposedly changed once negoitations with Jones took priority, understandably so given that he plays quarterback. With Pierce now likelier to hit free agency, the Titans should be attentive to his potential availability.
Titans see increased chance WR Alec Pierce hits free agency after Colts tag QB Daniel Jones
Spotrac is projecting Pierce to sign a four-year contract worth more than $20 million per campaign. Some believe the final figure could surpass $25 million annually. The Colts had roughly $32.2 million in cap space before tagging Jones, so GM Chris Ballard is even more cap-strapped now.
Pierce had a breakout season in 2025, recording a career-high 1,003 receiving yards via 47 receptions. The former Cincinnati standout has established himself as one of the league's consistent deep threats, having averaged an explosive 21.3 yards per catch. It was Pierce's second straight season having averaged over 21 yards per reception.
The Titans have a need to surround franchise quarterback Cam Ward with more playmaking weapons. Tennessee got some production from rookies Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor in 2025, but the lack of a seasoned go-to weapon was evident on a passing offense that finished 30th. The Titans hoped Calvin Ridley would be that guy, but he's now considered a possible cap casualty after enduring a disappointing year that ended with a season-ending injury in Week 11.
We'll see if the Colts manage to negotiate a long-term deal with Pierce before free agency's start date (March 11). The Titans desperately need a game-changer at receiver to help support Ward's growth. Indianapolis' decision to forego placing the tag on Pierce could benefit the Titans greatly next week.