Alec Pierce had a breakout campaign in 2024, as the receiver paced the NFL with 22.3 yards per reception. As a 2022 second-round pick, the wideout is set to enter the final season of his rookie pact, and it sounds like the Colts are going to let the player simply play out that contract.
According to ESPN’s Stephen Holder, there are no current contract talks between the Colts and Pierce. The reporter writes that “there remains much uncertainty” about the player’s future in Indy, and there’s a “looming possibility” of Pierce playing elsewhere in 2026.
As Holder points out, both sides may be struggling to assign a price tag to Pierce. The receiver has only topped out at 823 receiving yards, and his 41 receptions as a rookie still represents a career-high. While there’s uncertainty if the 25-year-old can truly lead a depth chart, there’s no denying his big-play ability. According to Holder, Pierce’s seven catches of 40 or more yards is second to Ja’Marr Chase since 2022.
Part of Indy’s apprehension about a Pierce extension may be due to their continued investment at the position. The Colts have used some recent draft capital at the position, even after using their 2022 second-round pick on Pierce. The team used a 2023 third-round pick on Josh Downs, and they used a 2024 second-round selection on Adonai Mitchell. The team handed Michael Pittman Jr. a three-year, $71.5MM extension last offseason, so the team already has their WR1 spot accounted for.
For what it’s worth, Pierce isn’t overly concerned about his lame-duck status. In fact, the receiver told Holder that he’s ignoring his expiring contract altogether, and he’s simply focused on taking his game to another level in 2025.
“I like to take a very day-to-day approach with things,” Pierce said. “I don’t really think too far in advance. … That’s why I’ve got agents. They focus on that type of stuff and what’s coming up in the short term.”