Shane Steichen was disappointed. One of the best offensive players for the Indianapolis Colts is Alec Pierce. Nevertheless, the team is unlikely to deal him this offseason. But according to SI.com’s Matthew Schmidt, the Colts are dealing the wide receiver to the Carolina Panthers:
“The Carolina Panthers must do everything in their power to acquire weapons for Bryce Young this offseason, but their limited cap space is the issue. The Panthers might want to call the Indianapolis Colts regarding Alec Pierce since Carolina might have to look into unconventional trades for guys who are still under rookie contracts. Shane Steichen disappointed
Pierce won’t likely be moved to the Panthers or any other team. The Colts must hang onto the native of the Chicago area.
Alec Pierce Should Not Be Traded by the Indianapolis Colts During the Offseason
His Professional Life Alec Pierce has so far played for the Cincinnati Bearcats for three years. He caught passes from Desmond Ridder, the quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders now. Pierce caught 52 passes for 884 yards and eight touchdowns in his senior year. Additionally, he was selected to the All-American Athletic Conference second team. During his time in college, he caught 106 passes, gained 1,851 receiving yards, and scored 12 touchdowns.
In the 2022 NFL Draft, Pierce was selected by the Colts in the second round (53rd overall). As a rookie, he caught 41 passes for 593 yards and two scores. Pierce, who had been predicted to make a leap in Year 2, fell back in 2023, recording 32 receptions, 514 receiving yards, and two touchdowns.
Pierce was viewed as a bust by many fans and commentators going into the 2024 season. He disproved him, though, with a breakthrough season. Pierce caught 37 catches for 824 yards and seven touchdowns during the previous season. And he topped the NFL with an amazing 22.3 yards per catch.
Why Alec Pierce Should Not Be Traded by the Colts
Once more, one of the Colts’ best offensive players is Alec Pierce. He was able to win over all of his detractors and eschew the dreaded “bust” moniker.
In 2026, Pierce is scheduled to become a free agent. The Colts are unlikely to re-sign him, according to Schmidt:
“It appears improbable that Indianapolis will re-sign Pierce in the upcoming offseason, so it might want to trade him now to recover some assets for him and give Mitchell more playing time.” Shane Steichen disappointed
It’s likely that Pierce won’t be re-signed by the Colts, particularly if he has a terrible 2025 season. However, expect him to keep getting better and have a stellar season the next year.
The Colts have a great wide receiver group that quarterback Anthony Richardson can pass to thanks to Pierce, Josh Downs, and Michael Pittman Jr. Additionally, despite Adonai Mitchell’s dismal first season, don’t give up on him. Sometimes a receiver’s development into an impact player takes a little time.
Pierce is regarded as a receiver with deep threat potential. He can be thrilling at times, particularly when he’s catching Richardson’s 60-yard touchdown pass and the crowd goes wild. Therefore, unless they receive an irresistible offer, the Colts should not deal Alec Pierce this summer.
