Jets may be priced out of top free agent target due to latest rumors

The New York Jets are expected to be big spenders in the 2026 offseason due to their oodles of cap space, and Darren Mougey is likely going to spend a ton of time scouting the upcoming class of free agent wide receivers.

Due to his performance over the last few seasons, physical gifts, and age matching up with Aaron Glenn's timeline, many have identified Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce as someone that Mougey and the rest of the front office should be all over.

However, considering how much Pierce has improved his value as a player in the last few weeks under Daniel Jones, it seems like the Jets may end up getting price out of Pierce. The latest reports from ESPN's Jeremy Fowler are seemingly hinting at that.

Fowler, who listed Pierce as one of the Top 10 free agents in the 2026 class, said that Indy's deep threat may command around $20 million per season, which is way too much for a player who has exactly one season of more than 600 yards out of four.

Jets may not sign Alec Pierce in free agency due to harsh price

Pierce is averaging over 20 yards per catch this season, and his deep speed, combined with some exceptional ball-tracking skills, might make him the vertical threat this offense needs. Adonai Mitchell is a complete unknown, and Arian Smith seems to be more track star than field-stretcher at this point.

The Jets will have a ton of money to spend in the offseason, but that doesn't mean they need to be cavalier or reckless in how that money is dished out. With Breece Hall breaking out just in time for a payday, New York may need to allocate some eight-figure sums to Hall in the next few years.

The Jets still need to find a pass rusher who can make an impact in the overall unit, a defensive tackle who can help them replace Quinnen Williams following the trade, and some linebackers who can make up for the eventual loss of Quincy Williams. WR2 is more important than those holes, but Pierce's price tag might be ridiculous.

The Jets might be better off signing a more experienced player like Jauan Jennings and using one of the four possible top 50 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft on someone who can star next to Wilson, as paying $20 million per season for Pierce alongside a rookie quarterback may age very poorly.