If you were the Indianapolis Colts’ general manager, would you trade Alec Pierce? You might’ve said yes a year ago. But you more than likely have changed your mind by now. Pierce finally emerged as an offensive weapon last season.
Tim Crean of Clutch Points came up with a trade idea that sends Pierce to the Buffalo Bills to team up with Josh Allen.
“With good depth at the position, the Colts could take a draft pick for Pierce and either grab another pass-catcher in the draft who will be under control for longer or a player at a bigger position of need,” Crean wrote. “For the Bills, Pierce would be the deep threat that Allen can use to stretch the field. Last season, Buffalo didn’t have a true speedster in the WR room, and while that helped in some ways, limiting Allen’s worst instincts to go deep when in doubt, it also hurt as that aspect of the offense could have helped in a situation like the AFC Championship Game versus the Kansas City Chiefs.”
Sure, the Bills would probably trade for Pierce. He’d give Allen a great wide receiver to work with. However, the Colts shouldn’t even consider trading one of their top players.
No, the Colts Should Not Trade Wide Receiver Alec Pierce This Offseason
From Bust to Valuable Contributor
The Colts drafted Alec Pierce in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He went on to have a decent rookie year in Indianapolis. In Week 6 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Pierce caught the game-winning 32-yard touchdown with 23 seconds left. It was the first touchdown of his career.
On Sunday Night Football, Pierce scored his second career touchdown. He also had four catches for 86 yards in the 54-19 blowout loss to the Dallas Cowboys. He finished his rookie year with 41 receptions for 593 receiving yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Pierce was expected to take a Year 2 leap. But he regressed instead. The Chicago area native caught just 32 passes for 514 yards and two touchdowns. As a result, some fans and pundits began to label him a bust.
Pierce ditched the bust label, though, last season. He recorded 824 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, which were both career highs. He also led the NFL with 22.3 yards per catch.
The Colts Would Be Foolish to Trade Him
Alec Pierce is set to become a free agent in 2026. Sure, the Colts could avoid signing him to a long-term contract and trade him now for a draft pick. But that doesn’t make sense. Pierce is only 24 years old and could be on the verge of becoming a star. He showed last season that he has the potential to be a Pro Bowl receiver.
Piece, teamed up with Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, and Adonai Mitchell, gives the Colts a deep receiving corps heading into the 2025 season. The unit will make life much easier for Indy’s starting quarterback, whether it’s Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones.
Pierce should continue to get better and better. No, the Colts should not trade him to the Bills or any other team.
Main Photo: Christine Tannous/IndyStar-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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