Alec Pierce was one of the few bright spots for the 2024 Indianapolis Colts, but the wide receiver is reportedly not close to an extension as he enters the final year of his rookie contract. Selected in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati product spent his first two seasons as a reliable depth option before breaking out last year. Establishing himself as a dangerous deep threat, Pierce finished the season with 37 receptions for 824 yards and seven touchdowns while leading the league with 22.3 yards per reception.
These types of performances often earn young players a big payday, especially when they come from premium positions. However, this doesn’t seem to be the case. According to ESPN’s Stephen Holder, Alec Pierce and the Colts are not engaged in contract talks, and there’s a “looming possibility” of the wide receiver joining a new team in the future.
Perhaps the Colts keep him around for one more season to see if he can help Daniel Jones or Anthony Richardson lead a competent passing attack. However, if Alec Pierce truly isn’t in the long-term plans, then the Colts could maximize their return for the homegrown talent and trade him to one of the following teams.
Colts, Alec Pierce Not Making Progress In Extension Talks – Trade Coming?
Possible Destinations
Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns need all the help they can get in developing their young quarterbacks. Deshaun Watson is officially not the answer, which means some combination of Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, third-round pick Dillon Gabriel, and fifth-round pick Shedeur Sanders will run the offense in 2025. Jerry Jeudy had a strong 2024, but this team must find another wide receiver to help this underwhelming quartet of quarterbacks. If the Colts are willing to trade him, Alec Pierce could be the ideal fit for this passing attack.
New Orleans Saints
Much like the Browns, the New Orleans Saints are not in serious contention this year. However, that shouldn’t stop them from calling the Colts about a potential Alec Pierce trade. Second-round pick Tyler Shough will have an opportunity to prove himself in 2025, but he’ll need better receivers for a real shot at establishing himself. Rashid Shaheed and Chris Olave both come with injury risks, so the team might as well get a proven weapon like Pierce who can stretch the field better than the present-day version of Brandin Cooks.
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers have a small army of unproven but promising young receivers in first-round pick Tatariora McMillan, Xavier Legette, and Jalen Coker, and one old veteran in Adam Thielen. What they lack, however, is a proven receiver in the prime of his career. If the Panthers don’t believe all three young receivers can step up in the upcoming season, then don’t be surprised if the team tries to get Alec Pierce as they pursue a wide-open NFC South.
Main Photo: Grace Hollars – Imagn Images
The post REPORT: “Uncertainty” Surrounds Colts Breakout Playmaker – Trade Talks Could Begin appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.