In one of the most surprising and aggressive moves of the NFL offseason, the Cincinnati Bengals have signed wide receiver Alec Pierce to a massive 5-year, $156 million contract, luring him away from the Indianapolis Colts in a blockbuster free agency deal that has the entire league talking.
The deal makes Pierce one of the highest-paid wide receivers in the league, sending a clear message that the Bengals are determined to keep their offense among the NFL’s elite for years to come. Sources tell ESPN that the contract includes $92 million guaranteed, with significant performance-based incentives that could push the total value even higher.
Pierce, who just completed his third season with the Colts, emerged as one of the league’s most promising young receivers. The 6-foot-3, 211-pound pass catcher posted career-high numbers last season with 82 receptions for 1,215 yards and 9 touchdowns, despite inconsistent quarterback play and an up-and-down Colts offense. His blend of size, speed, and reliable hands made him one of the top targets on the free agent market.
For the Bengals, the signing signals an aggressive pivot as they look to bolster their receiving corps amid uncertainty around Tee Higgins’ future with the team. With Ja’Marr Chase still on his rookie deal but due for a massive extension soon, Cincinnati’s front office is clearly making a push to keep their franchise quarterback Joe Burrow surrounded by elite weapons.
Pierce’s arrival could soften the blow if Higgins, who has been the subject of trade rumors for months, is ultimately dealt or allowed to walk in free agency. Adding Pierce to a receiving unit that already includes Chase and promising young tight end Irv
Jr. could keep the Bengals’ passing game among the most dangerous in the league.
Speaking to reporters after the signing was announced, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor expressed his excitement about what Pierce brings to the table.
“Alec is a player we’ve admired for a long time. He’s tough, he’s smart, and he competes for every ball,” Taylor said. “We love what he adds to our offense and we believe he’s just scratching the surface of what he can become.”
For Pierce, the move represents both a massive payday and a chance to compete for a Super Bowl alongside one of the league’s top quarterbacks.
“I’m beyond excited to join the Bengals,” Pierce said in a statement. “Playing with Joe Burrow and this offense is a dream for any receiver. I loved my time in Indianapolis and I’ll always be grateful to the Colts, but this is an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”
The Colts, meanwhile, lose a key piece of their young offensive core. Indianapolis had reportedly hoped to re-sign Pierce, but sources indicate they were unwilling to match the Bengals’ offer. With rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson entering his second season, the Colts now face pressure to find new weapons to keep his development on track.
Around the league, reactions to the deal were swift and wide-ranging. Some analysts praised the Bengals for being proactive and giving Burrow a deep arsenal of playmakers, while others questioned the wisdom of committing so much money to a non-elite receiver when contract extensions for stars like Chase and Burrow loom large.
Former NFL general manager Mike Tannenbaum told ESPN, “Pierce is a good player — no question. But this is a huge number for a guy who’s never made a Pro Bowl. Cincinnati is betting he’s about to take a massive leap, and if he does, it’s a home run. If he doesn’t, they could be in a tough spot financially.”
For now, Bengals fans are celebrating what they hope is another bold step toward returning to the Super Bowl and finally bringing a Lombardi Trophy to Cincinnati. The front office appears determined to strike while their Super Bowl window remains wide open.
Pierce is expected to be formally introduced in Cincinnati next week, with a press conference scheduled at Paycor Stadium. His new jersey is already the top seller on the team’s website, a sign that Bengals fans are eager to see their new star take the field.
With the AFC North growing ever more competitive, the Bengals’ gamble on Alec Pierce will be one of the most closely watched storylines when the new season kicks off this fall.