The NFL’s new league season is less than a week away. Teams are reviewing their 2026 roster strategies to put themselves in a position to compete next season.
The Indianapolis Colts are a team that decided to keep Daniel Jones over wide receiver Alec Pierce. They wanted to keep Pierce, but it makes sense that they decided to prioritize retaining the quarterback.
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The Colts have a contingency plan if they lose Pierce in free agency, according to the report. They have a specific name in mind.
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) yells at the line of scrimmage during a game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, in Indianapolis.
Former Seattle Seahawk and New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed is at the top of emergency plans. The dynamic receiver was coveted at last year’s trade deadline and ended up heading to Seattle.
Pierce and Shaheed are among the best receivers available in free agency. Both are expected to have strong markets. Maybe it’s stronger than the Colts can handle.
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The Colts certainly want to return to their early 2025 form, where they started the season 7-1. Jones’ season-ending injury sidelined them, but Pierce continued to produce.
January 25, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shahid (22) runs during the first half of the 2026 NFC Championship Game against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Image
Shahid is not only a dynamic receiver, but he is also an excellent special teams playmaker. His services will likely receive a lot of attention in the 2026 season as well.
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