Pierce, No. 5 on Gregg Rosenthal’s free agent list, was a franchise tag candidate, but the Colts placed the trade tag on quarterback Daniel Jones last week. Impressively, they were able to hold both. Although the QB is recovering from a torn Achilles, the new deal between Pierce and Jones breathes life into a rich relationship for the Colts QB-WR tandem in the coming Sundays.
Pelissero added Monday that the Colts continued to work with Jones on a multiyear deal.
In an important year ahead for Colts general manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen, they hold together a band that was playing the hits through a 7-1 start last season. Pierce, 25, may well have his best campaigns ahead of him, especially with Jones under center as the two connected immediately.
With Indy absent as a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Colts have begun making big moves, even if it’s by keeping their top talent on board.