The Indianapolis Colts had a decision to make. Ultimately, general manager Chris Ballard put the transition tag on Daniel Jones, thus leaving Alec Pierce free to sign elsewhere. That doesn't necessarily mean he's going to leave, but anything can happen in free agency.
Pierce is now one of the most valuable pass catchers in free agency. Spotrac projects his next contract at four years and $80.99 million, an average annual value of $20.2 million. However, given the shortage of prime options in free agency, multiple teams might be willing to go a little over that number.
That's why Colts fans might not like to hear what he has to say about free agency. In an appearance on Kay Adams' Up & Adams show, the Colts star admitted that he was keeping all his options open in free agency.
Indianapolis Colts star Alec Pierce is ready to test free agency
"I love Indy, I love playing there," Pierce said, "but at this point, I've kind of earned the right to explore free agency. See what's out there, (and) make the decision that's best for my career."
Again, the Colts will most likely go the extra mile to make sure he puts pen to paper. That said, teams like the New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, Denver Broncos, Buffalo Bills, and maybe even the Cleveland Browns could all be in the mix for a star pass catcher.
As things stand now, the Colts are $4.7 million over the salary cap, according to Over The Cap. They will get under that number with some moves, including potentially agreeing to a long-term deal with Daniel Jones. Even so, they might not be in a position to outbid other potential suitors for their big-play specialist.
Pierce was instrumental to Shane Steichen's passing game last season. He's led the league in yards per reception in consecutive seasons, and he's proven to be a playmaking, quarterback-proof big-play specialist and a mismatch in the endzone, logging 13 touchdown receptions in the past two campaigns.
There aren't many high-end options available in free agency, and as much as Pierce has enjoyed his time in Indianapolis, the Colts will have to get creative to find a way to keep him away from other suitors.
It'll all start with signing his quarterback to a new contract. Otherwise, Pierce will have few incentives to test his fortunes in Indianapolis with a question mark at the most crucial position in team sports.