Colts WR Alec Pierce plans to play out this season, without a contract extension

The Colts so far have been at contract odds with another key young offensive player from their 2022 draft class.

According to the source himself at training camp, Indianapolis Colts 4th-year wideout Alec Pierce plans to play out this upcoming season without a contract extension (via The IndyStar’s Nate Atkins):

Pierce joins another 2022 draft pick, Bernhard Raimann, as two key young offensive players who play premium positions that have been unable to connect so far on a contract extension between the Colts and their agent representation respectively.

The 25-year-old wideout is coming off a breakout 2024 campaign for the Colts, having led Indianapolis in receiving yards (824) and touchdown receptions (7)—as well as yards per reception, with a whopping 22.3 yards per reception during 16 games (13 starts).

While Pierce isn’t exactly a complete route tree runner, with his ‘one trick pony’ skillset, going deep, he consistently does it very well at a high level.

If Anthony Richardson eventually wins the Colts QB1 job, Pierce’s value to the Indy offense only increases, with the 3rd-year quarterback’s rocket arm downfield.

Perhaps the Colts want Pierce to ‘prove it’ again before inking him to a lucrative multi-year contract extension, having already committed to WR1, Michael Pittman Jr., for a sizable $29M cap hit in 2026.

Who knows, maybe they even want to see if talented, but so far inconsistent 2nd-year wideout AD Mitchell can usurp him as the WR2 going forward before dishing out big bucks.

He shouldn’t lack his fair share of interested suitors, including potentially AFC contenders like the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, or Baltimore Ravens who love downfield playmakers for their big-armed superstar quarterbacks.

Whatever the case, Pierce has the opportunity to earn an even bigger pay day with another strong consecutive season for the Colts—or perhaps have a lower number, if he stalls out.