play0:46Why fantasy managers shouldn’t overlook Alec PierceEven with the Colts heading into a bye, Eric Moody makes a case for fantasy managers to give Alec Pierce a try.
Matt BowenCloseMatt BowenESPN WriterMatt Bowen is a fantasy football and NFL writer for ESPN. He joined ESPN in 2015, writes regularly for ESPN+ and spent multiple years on “NFL Matchup.” After graduating from the University of Iowa, Matt played safety in the NFL for St. Louis, Green Bay, Washington and Buffalo over seven seasons.Follow on XJeremy FowlerCloseJeremy Fowlersenior NFL national reporterJeremy Fowler is a senior national NFL writer for ESPN, covering the entire league including breaking news. Jeremy also contributes to SportsCenter both as a studio analyst and a sideline reporter covering for NFL games. He is an Orlando, Florida native who joined ESPN in 2014 after covering college football for CBSSports.com.Follow on XNov 12, 2025, 06:20 AM ET
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Why fantasy managers shouldn’t overlook Alec PierceEven with the Colts heading into a bye, Eric Moody makes a case for fantasy managers to give Alec Pierce a try.
Even with the Colts heading into a bye, Eric Moody makes a case for fantasy managers to give Alec Pierce a try.
What we’re hearing: Rarely does an elite pass rusher hit free agency. The Bengals have the option to franchise-tag Hendrickson at around $36 million. That’s steep for a team in transition but could be a way to facilitate a sign-and-trade. Seven pass rushers make at least $34 million per year, and Hendrickson could become the next one. — Fowler
What he brings: Linderbaum has a tone-setting mentality on the interior of the front with the foot speed and body control to match pass rushers and climb to the second level in the run game. Linderbaum’s pass block win rate of 95.5% ranks eighth among centers this season, and his 70.0% run block win rate is 16th. — Bowen
What we’re hearing: Linderbaum is considered a top-10 interior offensive lineman in the eyes of execs, coaches and scouts. That makes him an expensive option, poised to become one of the highest-paid centers. The Ravens have discussed an extension with Linderbaum but are not within striking distance on a deal. When the Ravens declined his fifth-year option in the spring, that enhanced his chances for free agency. — Fowler
What he brings: Jones has elevated his level of play and poise under coach Shane Steichen in Indianapolis. Through 10 games, Jones’ 66.8 QBR ranks ninth in the league, and he is throwing with a much stronger sense of timing. He fits in an offense that features a good run game, which allows him to operate as a facilitator. — Bowen
What we’re hearing: Jones has a chance to become the biggest earner in the free agency class. The Colts appear all-in on keeping Jones long term, and they have comps for former top-10 picks who thrived when quarterbacking a new team — Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold, who each earned three-year deals worth around $100 million. Jones would totally be justified asking for that … with interest. — Fowler
What he brings: With 12 receptions of 20 or more yards (third most in the league), Pickens has the explosive-play ability to flip the field. Plus, his six touchdown receptions are tied for fourth. Splash plays pay. Pickens has also shown three-level route running traits this season in Dallas, boosting his free agent profile even more. — Bowen
What he brings: He’s a big-bodied drive blocker at 6-foot-6 and 312 pounds, and he can match power in pass protection. He has started all 10 games at right tackle for the Colts after sitting out 12 games over the past two years, and his pass block win rate jumped from 83.3% in 2024 to 90.3% this season. — Bowen
What we’re hearing: Smith is following the Ronnie Stanley playbook from last season — parlay a contract-year restructure into a strong performance to enhance value in March. Average offensive tackles get paid. But Smith is performing at an above-average level in 2025, and he has upside with almost $70 million in career earnings. — Fowler
What we’re hearing: Hall was coveted at the trade deadline. That the Jets wanted a third-round pick in return for a running back reminds that Hall has top-end talent. And my sense is he will do just fine in free agency — think Josh Jacobs’ four-year, $48 million deal signed in March 2024 as a possibility. A few personnel evaluators thought that was a fair contract comp. — Fowler
What he brings: A vertical stretch target at 6-foot-3 and 211 pounds, Pierce is averaging a league-best 20.9 yards per catch. He has the straight-line speed to lift the safeties to create open coverage voids underneath. With more volume and an increased role, Pierce could produce somewhere as a multilevel route runner in 2026. — Bowen
Why fantasy managers shouldn’t overlook Alec Pierce
What he brings: At 6-foot-4 and 341 pounds, Jones is a physical presence on the interior of the front, with the power to displace blockers and fill gaps. Over 3½ seasons in Baltimore, Warren has 5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss and 33 pressures. He’s also a high-energy player on tape. — Bowen
What we’re hearing: Multiple teams consider him the best defensive tackle to potentially be available. “He’s awesome,” an NFC executive said. “Very tough to block, elite run stopper. A wide-bodied guy who has enough pass rush.” The Ravens could attempt to re-sign Jones but aren’t afraid to let key players leave via free agency. One player comp from an NFC exec: Dalvin Tomlinson, who got $57 million over four years from Cleveland in 2023. — Fowler
What he brings: Likely’s alignment versatility gives offensive playcallers more flexibility, and he has the catch-and-run traits to produce on high-percentage throws. Likely should be viewed as a “move” tight end who brings matchup upside. He has 10 catches for 103 yards this season, and he caught six touchdown passes in 2024. — Bowen
What we’re hearing: Several team executives anticipate Likely doing very well in free agency because he can serve as a matchup problem who can separate from coverage. Part of the equation: The tight end franchise tag in 2026 is very reasonable ($15.8 million). Some people I’ve talked to inside the league would not be surprised if Baltimore tags him, especially with its top three tight ends hitting free agency. — Fowler
What he brings: Injuries have reduced Phillips’ range, but he has the physical tools that teams look for on the edge. With his long 6-foot-5 frame, Phillips can play as both an edge setter and a pocket disrupter. In his first game with the Eagles on Monday night, Phillips had four pressures and one tackle for loss. Over his five-year career, Phillips has accounted for 26 sacks and 127 pressures. — Bowen
What he brings: Taylor’s versatility and urgent play style shows on tape. He has the speed to cover on the perimeter, but he can also play a disruptive role in the slot. In four seasons with the Saints, Taylor has 3 interceptions, 37 pass breakups and 6 sacks. — Bowen
What he brings: Injuries have limited Evans to four games this season, but the veteran had topped the 1,000-yard receiving mark in 11 straight seasons entering 2025. He’s a classic boundary receiver with 6-foot-5 matchup size and great ball skills. Evans can still get loose in the red zone and produce as a No. 2 option. — Bowen
What we’re hearing: Evans is in his career twilight — retirement is not off the table — but he’s still awesome when he’s on the field as a perennial top-10 receiver in the pantheon. It’s hard to picture Evans in any other uniform. Gauging his market will be tricky because of his lengthy stint on IR due to a broken collarbone, but high-end talent that ages well always earns. — Fowler
What he brings: Franklin-Myers lacks the lateral speed and bend to turn pressures into a bunch of sacks from edge alignments. But he’s an active inside rusher who can play as a defensive tackle or 5-technique with his 6-foot-4, 288-pound frame. Franklin-Myers has 4.5 sacks this season. — Bowen
What we’re hearing: Having paid several key defensive players in the past year, the Broncos know they very well could lose Franklin-Myers to free agency. Inside rushers — 3-4 defensive ends or defensive tackles — with pass-rush ability get paid, and Franklin-Myers has 11.5 sacks since joining Denver via trade from New York in 2024. — Fowler
What he brings: Walker’s explosive traits create playmaking upside; he can cover ground as a run-and-hit defender. Plus, Walker is diagnosing the run game at a quicker rate in 2025. He is averaging 8.6 tackles this season to go with his 1.5 sacks, 6 tackles for loss and 3 pass breakups. — Bowen
What we’re hearing: It pays to have speed, and Walker’s range from sideline-to-sideline is unique. So is his size (6-foot-4, 241 pounds). He can blitz or matchup one-on-one with running backs. The Packers opened dialogue on an extension with Walker in the preseason but hit an impasse. It wouldn’t surprise if Green Bay tries again. He’s the type of player the Packers would try to keep. — Fowler
What he brings: Watson isn’t a high-end playmaker, but he has the length to challenge in press, along with the route awareness to play top-down on the ball in zone schemes. Watson has two career interceptions and 22 pass breakups. — Bowen
What we’re hearing: Watson isn’t a marquee name but is one that generated buzz when discussing free agents with teams. “He’ll have a nice market,” an AFC executive said. “He could surprise some people.” The Chiefs’ extension candidates include star corner Trent McDuffie, which could force Watson to go elsewhere during the offseason. — Fowler
What he brings: Walker’s pass block win rate of 94.3% ranks seventh among offensive tackles. His technique could still improve, and he lacks a strong anchor, but he has the footwork and mobility to match speed on the edges. — Bowen