Alec Pierce going long for a bomb each game was something to be expected. That has been his role with the Indianapolis Colts since they drafted him in 2022. More times than not, Pierce would bring the pass in. More times than not, it would be the only pass he would catch. This year saw a new Pierce. This year saw a Pierce who has set himself up nicely for a new contract because he elevated his play on the field.
This was far and away his best year as a professional. He set a career high in targets at 84, receptions at 47, and yards at 1,003. He hauled in six touchdowns, led the league for the second year in a row in yards per catch, and did it all in just 15 games. This was the player fans had hoped the Colts had drafted out of Cincinnati. It can take a receiver a minute to adjust to the NFL, and Pierce is adjusting at the right time.
While he led the league in yards per catch this year, Pierce did so much more than rip off huge chunks at a time. He stepped up as the number one receiver on the team this year and became a go-to in critical situations. His route tree expanded, and he created enough separation for his targets to skyrocket. He still kept the long bomb ability but added the necessary subtle and nuanced portions to his game to make him a more well rounded player.
Alec Pierce went from someone who wasn’t part of the long-term plans for the Colts before the season started to an integral cog. His prior production and what we had seen didn’t justify a new contract. What a difference a year makes because the talk now is whether the Colts can afford to bring him back. It seems a deal will be reached and Pierce will continue to make big plays in Lucas Oil for years to come.
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