Stampede Blue
Indianapolis, IN — The Indianapolis Colts are spiraling, particularly their offense, but wide receiver Alec Pierce has remained a dependable force throughout. Blossoming from a one trick pony to a deep threat set the floor for Pierce as an NFL wideout, but his emergence in a contract year has resulted in becoming one of the league’s most underrated players at the position.
Against the Houston Texans in Week 13, Alec Pierce was the Colts’ leading receiver for the second time this season, putting up a statline of 4 receptions for 78 yards. He also made franchise history in the loss, becoming the first Colts player to have a pass defended and a receiving touchdown in the same game (since passes defended were first tracked in 1999), according to Next Gen Stats.
His pass defended may have utimately been a stategic ploy to have him play keepaway, which he did to perfection, but it additionally showcases his elite pairing of athleticism and on-field IQ — while also reminding you that Pierce has volleyball roots.
Pierce was the Colts’ leading receiver five times throughout his first two seasons and tied with Josh Downs for the team lead last season with six such instances. Rookie tight end Tyler Warren bursted onto the scene to become the team’s leading receiver through twelve weeks, but Pierce has surpassed him with his recent performance against the Texans. Here’s Pierce’s 2025-26 season totals so far:
33 receptions (career-high is 41), 689 receiving yards (career-high is 824), 20.9 yards per reception (leads league, led NFL in 2024), 2 receiving touchdowns, and a 55.9% catch rate (career-high) in 10 games played.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler recently reported that Alec Pierce could warrant upwards of $20M/year in a new deal this upcoming offseason:
“Teams I’ve talked to anticipate [Alec] Pierce will hit a big number in free agency. They think the $20 million per year threshold isn’t out of the question for him. Pierce is poised for his first 1,000-yard season and has the size/speed combination teams covet.”
This report came out around three weeks ago. A week after the fact, fellow wideout and leader of the pack, Michael Pittman Jr., explained to local media that contract talks regarding Pierce will only balloon if they wait.
“If we don’t sign him quick, the price just keeps going up. He’s not going to slow down (with) the way that he prepares and the stuff that he’s doing…” James Boyd of The Athletic reported.
This was likely nothing more than Pittman Jr. putting in a good word for his teammate and friend ahead of time, but there’s also some truth to what he’s saying.
Alec Pierce has the most receptions of 35+ air yards since he entered the league in 2022, with 17 such receptions, and counting. He’s also the only wide receiver so far this decade to notch multiple seasons averaging a depth of 20+ yards per target, with two of his showings (2024-present) serving as half of the total...
