Stampede Blue
Unsung hero, underappreciated, unexpectedly fast — these are just a few words that aptly describe Indianapolis Colts’ wide receiver Alec Pierce. Being known for his blazing speed is one thing, and being regarded as a ‘deep threat’ in the NFL is equal parts complimentary as it is derogatory, except somehow, they go hand in hand; if you’re a deep threat, chances are you’re just fast. If you’re just fast, you’re relegated to being a deep threat.
Oftentimes, once you receive said designation, there’s no going back — unless you’re Alec Pierce.
After being deemed as such after his first two seasons in the NFL, last year was make-or-break for Pierce, as the organization had just spent the 52nd pick in the NFL Draft on his would-be replacement in AD Mitchell. Lo and behold, Pierce’s emergence in 2024 resulted in a career-defining development for all parties involved.
Last season, Pierce totaled career-highs in receiving yards (824), receiving touchdowns (7), and yards per reception (22.3), the latter of which would lead all NFL passcatchers with at least 30 targets.
Fast forward a calendar year after such uncertainty became apparent, and Alec Pierce is one of the better WR2s around the league, whereas second-year wide receiver AD Mitchell’s early-career shortcomings matched Pierce’s overall progression. This resulted in the organization singing a different tune entirely, as Mitchell was shipped out as part of a package deal for cornerback Sauce Gardner.
Pierce has showcased his development in training camp last offseason, but a deep ball-heavy quarterback tandem of Anthony Richardson and Joe Flacco limited him to playing his role as the designated deep threat. Despite this, Pierce played his role to near perfection, proving to be elite downfield.
In 2024, Pierce’s 41% vertical route rate led the league. For context, George Pickens’ 29% rate was the second-biggest in the NFL. Furthermore, his 517 receiving yards on deep passes and averaged 21.5 air yards per target, the most in the NFL (min. 50 targets), per Next Gen Stats. That downfield rate has come back down to Earth in 2025 (27%); therefore, one would assume his production would fall off, but it hasn’t — at least in terms of yardage gained and overall impact as far as his gravity as a route runner goes.
So far in 2025-26, Pierce is second on the team in receiving yardage (585) and leads the league in average yards per reception (20.9) among qualified passcatchers. He’s also 1 of 7 wide receivers leaguewide with 50+ targets in 2025 and zero drops, joining the likes of Justin Jefferson, A.J. Brown, Tee Higgins, Drake London, Devonta Smith, and Rashid Shaheed.
Recently, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported that Alec Pierce could warrant upwards of $20M/year in a new deal this upcoming offseason. Fellow wideout and leader of the pack, Michael Pittman Jr., explained to local media yesterday 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...
