A former player and NFL analyst has made a notable connection between the Los Angeles Chargers and Alec Pierce, a wide receiver from the Indianapolis Colts. Manti Te”o, speaking on NFL Network, expressed that Pierce, along with Ladd McConkey, could create a formidable receiving duo akin to the partnership of Davante Adams and Puka Nacua with the Rams.
Te”o emphasized the potential impact of Pierce on the Chargers, stating, “If Alec Pierce were to go to a place like the Chargers, it”s going to be dangerous. You talk about somebody who”s fast, who”s physical, who”s a big target, can take the top of the defense.” He added that this would allow McConkey to excel in the short to medium range, providing a versatile attack for the offense.
Te”o further elaborated on the structure of an effective offense, noting the importance of having diverse attributes among wide receivers. He explained that while a slot receiver occupies the middle of the defense, an outside receiver like Pierce can stretch the field and serve as the primary target.
As an unrestricted free agent this offseason, speculation surrounds Pierce”s future, particularly regarding the possibility of the Colts using the franchise tag to retain him. Despite this uncertainty, he is viewed as one of the top wide receivers available, especially after achieving a 1,000-yard season in 2025 with an impressive average of 21.3 yards per catch. He also recorded six touchdowns last season, showcasing his deep-ball capability, which aligns well with what the Chargers need for quarterback Justin Herbert.
McConkey is coming off a season that saw him struggle to replicate his rookie success, recording 789 receiving yards and six touchdowns, a decline from his inaugural year where he amassed 1,149 yards and seven touchdowns. While various factors contributed to this dip in production, adding Pierce could potentially provide McConkey with the opportunity to shine as a slot receiver, positioning Pierce as the primary X receiver in the dynamic offense led by Mike McDaniel.
Financially, Spotrac estimates that Pierce could command a four-year contract worth approximately 80.99 million dollars, averaging about 20.2 million dollars annually. This may pose a challenge for the Chargers, who must prioritize retaining their own players, notably Odafe Oweh, and addressing their offensive line needs in free agency.
This analysis originally appeared on Chargers Wire, highlighting the team”s potential interest in Pierce as they look to bolster their offensive capabilities for the upcoming season.
