ESPN REPORT CLAIMED ALEC PIERCE SIGNED FIVE‑YEAR, $156 M DEAL WITH BENGALS – BUT IT’S FALSE……………
A rumor making the rounds late Monday claimed that wide receiver Alec Pierce, formerly of the Indianapolis Colts, had agreed to a staggering five‑year, $156 million contract with the Cincinnati Bengals. However, no credible evidence supports any such agreement. Instead, Pierce remains under contract with Indianapolis—and has not entered serious negotiations with another team.
🏈 Pierce Still with the Colts, No Extension Talks Ongoing
0-2Pierce is still part of the Colts’ roster, with his rookie deal set to expire in 2026. As of June 30, 2025, there were no ongoing contract extension discussions between him and the Colts, according to ESPN’s Stephen Holder . Pierce himself indicated he was leaving those negotiations to his agents, saying:
> “I like to take a very day‑to‑day approach … I don’t really think too far in advance. That’s why I’ve got agents.”
Pierce’s 2024 Breakout
1106-0Far from preparing for a mega‑contract or sudden team change, Pierce is focused on building his career in Indianapolis. After three seasons, the 24‑year‑old emerged as the NFL’s most explosive deep‑threat receiver in 2024, leading the league with an astounding 22.3 yards per catch on 37 receptions for 824 yards and seven touchdowns .
1524-0Colts general manager Chris Ballard and offensive coordinator Shane Steichen emphasized Pierce’s steady development and vital role in the offense . 1693-0Ballard noted Pierce’s “self‑first” attitude as a catalyst for improvement, while Steichen praised his consistency and contested‑catch ability .
Pierce’s Value—But Not for Trade
1858-0Pierce’s 2024 performance elevated his trade and free‑agency value significantly. Analysts had even labeled him the Colts’ top trade asset before the 2025 NFL Draft . Scouting reports emphasized his vertical-threat skills, predicting a substantial payday—though nothing remotely resembling the viral “$156 million” figure.
2083-1As he enters the final year of his rookie contract in 2025, Pierce appears more committed to proving himself in Indianapolis than plotting a departure .
Why the Phantom Contract Sparks Buzz
Hyperbolic NFL free-agent rumors often swirl during the offseason, especially involving dynamic young talents. Pierce’s combination of breakout production, contract-year status, and deep-ball prowess makes him a natural magnet for wishful speculation.
That said, with no official team statements, representative confirmations, or credible track records supporting a move, the $156 million Bengals deal seems to be nothing more than social‑media fantasy.
✅ Facts You Can Bank On
Claim RealityPierce signed five‑year, $156 million deal with Bengals ❌ False – no evidence, Pierce still with Colts
Colts engaged in contract talks ❌ False – no current negotiations, per ESPN’s Stephen Holder
Pierce led NFL in yards‑per‑catch in 2024 ✅ True – registered 22.3 ypc, 824 yards, 7 TD on 37 catches
📌 Bottom Line
Alec Pierce hasn’t signed with Cincinnati—or anywhere else. He remains under the Colts’ control, maintaining a low‑key, business‑as‑usual approach to his football career. With no active contract talks underway, and the Colts eager to harness his deep-threat explosiveness, any narrative of a blockbuster deal is pure offseason rumor.
If speculation intensifies ahead of the 2025 season, expect any real extension news to come directly from the Colts or Pierce’s camp, not from viral headlines. Until then, take the $156 million Bengals report with a grain of salt.
