Stampede Blue
Following a breakout 2024 campaign, Colts’ WR Alec Pierce would be an interesting trade chip, but this one appears to be more about speculation than any actual merit.
According to PFF, the Indianapolis Colts ‘best trade asset’ is soon-to-be 4th-year wideout Alec Pierce—who as a former 2022 second round pick, is entering a contract season:
Indianapolis Colts: WR Alec Pierce
Ordinarily, this could figure to be Anthony Richardson, who has underwhelmed and hardly played during his two pro seasons. But with the Colts publicly committing to a quarterback battle through at least July, Richardson probably won’t be traded yet. Instead, one of the team’s receivers could go.
The Colts have four legitimately viable wideouts in Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, Pierce and A.D. Mitchell. Pierce is also the only one in a contract year, and his dynamic deep receiving skill (99.1 PFF receiving grade) would resonate with most teams. Indianapolis might keep all four in a pivotal year for its quarterback room, but Pierce would be the best bet to be traded.
Despite the Colts struggles at starting quarterback, Pierce had a breakout 2024 season, leading Indy’s receivers with 824 receiving yards and 7 touchdown receptions to go along with 37 receptions during 16 games (13 starts). His 22.3 yards per reception average led all league receivers last season, showcasing his explosive play ability downfield.
Honestly, when first reading this article, I was expecting to see Colts’ perennial NFL All-Pro Quenton Nelson, who presumably still holds a lot of value league-wide right now.
Pierce’s name being mentioned is interesting—and although not untouchable, I would be very surprised if the Colts have any true intentions to move him right now—as for one, he pairs very well with incumbent starter Anthony Richardson’s big arm, exceptional downfield passing touch, and their budding deep passing game connection.
While not a complete wide receiver by any means in his route-running, Pierce has one special skill-set right now—with his ability to separate vertically, and does it very well.
Two, until 2nd-year wideout AD Mitchell takes a step forward and pushes Pierce out as the starting WR2, the Colts don’t really have the luxury of moving on from Pierce right now. Even though Mitchell is no doubt talented, he struggled linking up with Richardson last year and needs to mature a bit—showing improved focus and consistency all together.
Pierce is an interesting name, but it’s more likely to me that someone like former Colts’ 2022 third round pick Jelani Woods at tight end would be moved in a trade than him ahead of the NFL Draft—or perhaps even one of Indy’s defensive ends like Kwity Paye or Samson Ebukam, both of whom are also entering contract years for Indianapolis.
