The Indianapolis Colts could look like a different team by the end of next week. That is when free agency begins, of course, and many Indy players might leave (and new ones added), but cornerback Sauce Gardner has a suggestion for how to keep wide receiver Alec Pierce.
Gardner wrote on X on Wednesday, "Should I lock Alec Pierce in my basement and force him to sign the contract papers?" It was a joke, of course, and a good one, but one that might also be a very good idea.
How much Indianapolis is offering the wide receiver, who is a free agent for the first time in his career, is unknown. It likely cannot be more than what other teams are going to be able to offer. As Indu placed the transition tag on quarterback Daniel Jones, the Colts technically have negative cap room currently.
Sauce Gardner made an offer the Indianapolis Colts can't refuse
That will change by next week. The team could release wide receiver Michael Pittman and save $24 million. Even that won't be enough for Pierce, and certainly won't be as much as the team will need. Singing Alec Pierce would be great, but the team has to sign its draft picks, a practice squad, and other free agents.
The hope, of course, and one fans can assume Chris Ballard is crossing his fingers for, is that Jones signs a new deal before free agency and his cap hit for 2026 is lessened. That would immediately free up some money for the Colts and allow more money to bring Pierce back.
The receiver could command as much as $25 million a season in free agency, however, and that could be too rich for Indy even with a cap hit that is lower in the first year of the new deal. Hopefully, all that Ballard dreams of comes true this offseason, and Indy can sign Jones and Pierce quickly and give the team more space when free agency begins, but it's a huge risk.
The team might need to take Sauce Gardner up on his funny question. Would it break the law? Of course, but Indianapolis Colts fans might be OK with it if it keeps Pierce in Indy.
In reality, getting used to the idea of Alec Pierce playing in a different uniform next season and beyond might be wise. Daniel Jones might come back, but at the expense of Pierce. Let's hope that's enough to push Indianapolis into the postseason in 2026.