Why Alec Pierce Should Be a Top Priority for the Colts This Offseason
As the Indianapolis Colts head into a pivotal offseason, there's one name that should be circled in red ink on Chris Ballard’s re-sign list: Alec Pierce.
Yes, the Colts have some decisions to make - and yes, the quarterback situation always draws the headlines. But when you look at the numbers, the tape, and the trajectory, it’s clear that Pierce isn’t just a big-play threat. He’s become a foundational piece of this offense.
Let’s talk production. Among receivers with at least 75 targets, Pierce ranked 14th in PFF receiving grade (81.0), 14th in yards per route run (2.10), and eighth in passer rating when targeted (113.7).
And here’s the kicker - since 2024, he holds the second-best deep receiving grade in the league, trailing only Jaxon Smith-Njigba. That’s elite company.
Pierce also broke the 1,000-yard barrier for the first time in his career this past season, a milestone that speaks volumes about his growth. But it’s not just the volume - it’s the efficiency. For the second consecutive year, he led the NFL in yards per catch, making him one of the most dangerous vertical threats in the league.
Still, to frame Pierce as just a deep-ball specialist would be selling him short. This past season, we saw his route tree expand significantly.
He wasn’t just running go routes and posts - he was working the intermediate game, attacking soft spots in zone coverage, and taking on a more versatile role in Shane Steichen’s offense. That evolution made him a more complete receiver and a tougher cover for defenses.
And that impact goes beyond the stat sheet. Pierce’s speed and ability to stretch the field force defenses to respect the deep ball, often pulling safeties out of the box and creating space underneath. That ripple effect opens up opportunities for other weapons in the offense - whether it’s the tight ends working the seams or the run game finding lighter fronts.
General Manager Chris Ballard made it clear that the organization sees what everyone else should be seeing.
“From Day 1, from when we worked him out at the University of Cincinnati, we had a great belief in Alec Pierce,” Ballard said. “I think he's been a good player every year. ...
I thought Reggie (Wayne) did a tremendous job helping him expand his game to all three levels. Alec's a priority.”
That last line says it all: Alec Pierce is a priority. And he should be.
In a league where explosive plays and offensive versatility are at a premium, Pierce brings both - with room to grow. If the Colts want to keep building momentum and give their quarterback (whoever that may be) the best chance to succeed, keeping Pierce in the fold isn’t just smart. It’s essential.