The Indianapolis Colts were stuck between a rock and a hard place with Daniel Jones and Alec Pierce. Ultimately, they chose positional value over anything else, placing the transition tag on Jones, thus leaving Pierce free to negotiate with other teams.
While the Colts are still optimistic about getting a long-term deal done, anything can happen in free agency. Multiple teams will be interested in Pierce, and several of them can probably offer them more money than the Colts.
According to Over The Cap, the Colts are $4.715 million over the salary cap. They can lower that number once (if) they sign Jones, but Pierce will be free to meet with other teams in the meantime. Considering that, we'll take a look at three potential replacements they should target if Pierce bolts.
3 Alec Pierce replacements the Indianapolis Colts might have to consider
3. Tyquan Thornton
Tyquan Thornton is criminally underrated. He actually averaged more yards per catch (23.1) than Pierce (21.3), which is a lot to say. He only needed 19 receptions to register 438 yards and three touchdowns, working as Patrick Mahomes' big-play threat earlier in the season.
Spotrac projects his market value at just $2.8 million, making him a prime low-risk/high-reward pickup for any team in need of a speedy playmaker. He can also contribute to special teams as a returner, and while he's clearly not a prominent name, he can break out in Shane Steichen's offense.
2. Christian Kirk
Christian Kirk was a rising star before injuries riddled his career. That said, he closed out the season on a high note by torching the Pittsburgh Steelers for 144 yards, proving that he can still do some damage when given a chance.
Kirk is obviously not a big-play specialist, but he has only failed to reach 590 receiving yards twice in his career. He has steady hands and would cost just $5.3 million, which is a bargain for someone with over 5,000 career receiving yards and 30 career touchdowns.
1. Romeo Doubs
The Colts can still go big-name hunting if they lose Pierce. While they might not be in play for Jauan Jennings, who's projected to break the bank with $22 million a year, they can make a run at Green Bay Packers star Romeo Doubs, who's expected to be available in the $12.22 million range instead.
Doubs struggled with drops earlier in his career, but that wasn't an issue last season. He led his team in targets (85), receptions (55), yards (724), and touchdowns (6). The Packers have a logjam of pass-catchers, and he could break out with a primary role elsewhere.