The Indianapolis Colts are heading toward a 2026 crossroads that almost feels a tad unfair considering they’ve finally found offensive stability.
With a rejuvenated Daniel Jones running the show, a breakout rookie tight end in Tyler Warren and a fully realized deep threat in Alec Pierce, Indy is leading the NFL in both total offense (396.9 yards per game) and points per game (32.1). But two of those three are about to get a lot more expensive, as Jones and Pierce are set to be free agents.
“At 6-foot-3 and 211 pounds, Pierce is averaging a league-best 20.9 yards per catch. He has the straight-line speed to lift the safeties to create open coverage voids underneath. With more volume and an increased role, Pierce could produce somewhere as a multilevel route runner in 2026,” ESPN’s Matt Bowen wrote on November 12.
There’s no doubt Pierce will have several suitors, but can the Colts afford to keep him around while still re-signing Jones? Let’s discuss.
GettyCan the Colts afford to keep both QB Daniel Jones and WR Alec Pierce in 2026 when free agency hits?
On paper, the Colts should enter 2026 with what looks like decent cap room. Per Over the Cap, Indianapolis will have just under $47.6 million next year, which ranks 11th out of 32 teams. It could be a lot worse, but combined with large contracts already owed to Michael Pittman Jr., Quenton Nelson and Jonathan Taylor, there’s less wiggle room than Indy may need to keep both Pierce and Jones.
Jones is the reason the Colts even face this dilemma. Signed to a one-year, $14 million prove-it deal, he has transformed into one of the league’s most efficient quarterbacks. Through ten games, he has a 69.9 completion percentage, throwing for 2,659 yards, 15 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Pierce brings a different kind of leverage. Through eight games in 2025, he has 28 catches for 585 yards, averaging a blistering 20.9 yards per reception with one touchdown. He leads the league in yards per catch, which he also did last year (22.3 yards per grab).
“Teams I’ve talked to anticipate Pierce will hit a big number in free agency,” ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler added. “They think the $20 million per year threshold isn’t out of the question for him. Pierce is poised for his first 1,000-yard season and has the size/speed combination teams covet. The Colts have decisions to make on offense. If they pay Daniel Jones — who has chemistry with Pierce — do they let Pierce walk? Much of that will depend on how Pierce’s market develops. The Colts typically don’t do extensions during the season.”
With the Colts sitting at 8-2 and sitting atop the AFC, the front office signaled its belief in Jones by making a blockbuster trade for Sauce Gardner. A franchise doesn’t give up that level of capital unless it believes its quarterback is worth building around. That means Jones is likely headed for a contract north of $100 million.
Here’s the thing: Indianapolis can squeeze deals for both Pierce and Jones into its 2026 structure, but not without maneuvering — and not with out a little luck.
Given how much both have meant to the Colts’ resurgence, the team may move heaven and earth to re-sign them. But if Pierce’s number truly approaches $20 million per year and has a team or two willing to go higher, he may be headed to play elsewhere while Jones sticks around.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy has provided an important update as the team prepares for their upcoming game against the Arizona Cardinals. Purdy, who has been instrumental in the 49ers’ offensive success this season, shared his thoughts on his readiness and expectations heading into the crucial matchup.
In a recent press conference, Purdy emphasized his focus on the game and his continued progress after dealing with some minor injuries earlier in the season. “I feel really good right now,” Purdy said. “I’ve been taking things day by day, staying in close contact with our medical staff, and everything’s on track. I’m ready to go for Sunday and excited for the opportunity to help this team win.”
Purdy, who has been one of the top quarterbacks in the league this season, has played with a level of poise and confidence that has elevated the 49ers’ offense. As the team faces off against a tough Arizona defense, Purdy knows how important this game is for the 49ers’ playoff aspirations.
“Focused on Execution”
Purdy spoke about the importance of executing the game plan effectively and how the team is preparing for the Cardinals’ defense. “They’ve got a strong defense, but we’ve been working hard all week to make sure we’re ready for whatever they throw at us,” Purdy explained. “I’m confident in our offense, and we just need to focus on executing and playing our brand of football.”
The 49ers’ offense has been one of the most efficient in the NFL this season, and much of that success has come from Purdy’s ability to read defenses and make quick, accurate decisions. As the 49ers aim to keep their momentum going, Purdy’s performance will be a key factor in determining how successful they will be against the Cardinals.
“Confidence in the Team”
Despite the pressure of the upcoming game, Purdy remains confident in his teammates and the coaching staff. “We’ve got a great group of guys, and we all trust each other,” he said. “Whether it’s the offensive line, the receivers, or the running backs, we know we’ve got the pieces to win. We just need to stay focused and execute as a team.”
Purdy also praised the work of head coach Kyle Shanahan, who has continued to design effective game plans to put the offense in the best position to succeed. “Coach Shanahan is always doing a great job of putting us in the right situations,” Purdy added. “We’ve got a lot of trust in the system and the plays that are called. It’s about executing those plays and doing our jobs.”
“Preparing for the Cardinals”
As the 49ers get ready to take on the Cardinals, Purdy emphasized the importance of treating each game with the same level of focus and intensity. “Every game is important, but this one is huge for us in terms of where we are in the standings,” he said. “We need to keep our focus on the task at hand and take it one play at a time.”
With the 49ers sitting in a strong position in the NFC, Purdy knows that maintaining their current form will be crucial to securing a high playoff spot. “We’re all focused on finishing the regular season strong, and that starts with beating the Cardinals,” he concluded. “We’re ready to go and ready to keep this momentum going.”