Alec Pierce Is Quietly Becoming One of the NFL’s Most Dangerous Deep Threats - And the Colts Can’t Afford to Let Him Walk
The Indianapolis Colts are in a bit of a freefall right now - especially on the offensive side of the ball - but amidst the chaos, Alec Pierce is quietly putting together a season that deserves a lot more attention than it's getting.
Once labeled a one-trick pony, Pierce has evolved into something far more complete. His calling card has always been the deep ball, and that’s still his bread and butter. But in a contract year, he’s showing he’s more than just a vertical threat - he’s becoming a reliable, explosive playmaker, and one of the most underrated wide receivers in the league.
Making History in a Loss
In Week 13 against the Texans, Pierce turned in another standout performance, leading the Colts in receiving for the second time this season with 4 catches for 78 yards. But it wasn’t just the stat line that stood out - it was the way he impacted the game. He made franchise history by becoming the first Colts player to record both a receiving touchdown and a pass defended in the same game since the NFL began tracking that stat in 1999.
Yes, you read that right - a wide receiver with a pass defended. It was a savvy move, likely a heads-up play to prevent a turnover, but it also spoke volumes about his athleticism, instincts, and competitiveness.
You don’t see that kind of awareness every day. And if you know Pierce’s background, that volleyball pedigree starts to make a little more sense here - he knows how to track a ball and elevate.
Steady Growth and Big Play Ability
Pierce has now led the Colts in receiving in five games over his first two seasons, and last year he tied with Josh Downs for the team lead in that category. This season, rookie tight end Tyler Warren made an early splash and took over as the team’s top target through the first 12 weeks. But Pierce’s recent outing against Houston has put him back in front.
Let’s take a look at where he stands through 10 games this season:
- 33 receptions (career-high is 41)
- 689 receiving yards (career-high is 824)
- 20.9 yards per reception (leads the league; also led the NFL in 2024)
- 2 touchdowns
- 55.9% catch rate (a career-high)
That 20.9 yards per catch figure isn’t just impressive - it’s elite. It’s the kind of number that screams “game-breaker.”
And it’s not a fluke, either. Pierce led the league in the same category last year, and he’s the only wide receiver this decade with multiple seasons averaging over 20 yards per target.
That’s rare air.
The Market Is Watching - And So Is the Locker Room
With that kind of production, it’s no surprise that Alec Pierce is generating serious buzz ahead of free agency. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported a few weeks back that teams around the league believe he could command upwards of $20 million per year on the open market.
That’s not just speculation - it’s a reflection of how valuable his skill set is. Pierce has the size, speed, and vertical ability that front offices covet.
He’s on pace for his first 1,000-yard season, and the tape backs up the numbers. He stretches defenses, opens up space for others, and makes contested catches look routine.
Even his teammates are taking notice. Michael Pittman Jr., the Colts’ WR1 and a leader in the locker room, made it clear that the team needs to act fast if they want to keep Pierce around.
“If we don’t sign him quick, the price just keeps going up,” Pittman told reporters. “He’s not going to slow down with the way that he prepares and the stuff that he’s doing…”
That’s not just a teammate hyping up a friend - it’s a recognition of Pierce’s value, both on the field and in the locker room. And Pittman’s right: the more Pierce produces, the more leverage he gains.
A Deep Threat With Depth to His Game
Since entering the league in 2022, Pierce leads all receivers in catches of 35+ air yards with 17 - and counting. That’s a stat that tells you exactly what kind of weapon he is.
He’s not just fast - he’s effective. He tracks the ball well, wins downfield, and forces defenses to account for him on every snap.
But what’s really elevated his game this season is the growth in the finer details. He’s expanded his route tree, improved his contested catch rate, and become a more complete receiver. He’s not just running go routes and hoping for the best - he’s setting up defenders, creating separation, and making tough grabs in traffic.
That evolution makes him even more dangerous. Because now, defenses can’t just sit back and expect the deep shot. He’s finding ways to contribute in different areas of the field, and that versatility makes him a much tougher cover.
The Colts’ Offseason To-Do List Starts Here
The Colts have a number of decisions to make this offseason, with several key players approaching free agency. But retaining Alec Pierce should be near the top of the list.
He’s producing at a high level, he’s still improving, and he brings a unique skill set that not many receivers in the league possess. Letting him walk would mean losing one of the league’s premier deep threats - and a homegrown talent who’s just now hitting his stride.
Pierce isn’t just a big-play guy anymore. He’s becoming a complete receiver. And if the Colts want to build a sustainable offense for the future, keeping him in the fold is a no-brainer.