WR Alec Pierce does not anticipate Colts extension

Pierce is one of several Day 2 swings Indianapolis has taken at the receiver position under general manager Chris Ballard. The former second-rounder handled a regular offensive role during his rookie season before becoming a full-time starter in 2023. During that period, Pierce saw his yards per catch rate increase but managed only four touchdowns.

This past campaign resulted in a step forward in production despite the Colts’ quarterback issues. Pierce set a new personal best with 824 yards and caught a career-high seven touchdowns. His 22.3 yards per reception average led the NFL. At the age of 25, a raise should be in store on his next deal. It remains to be seen if it will come from Indianapolis, though.

“I haven’t even thought about it too much in terms of myself,” Pierce said when speaking about a potential Colts extension (via Joel A. Erickson of the Indy Star). “My agents might have talked with them a while back, but I feel like on that front, it’s going to be play the season out, kind of see where things go.”

While the door is certainly not closed to an arrangement keeping the Cincinnati product in place beyond 2025, Pierce’s comments strongly indicate he will at least test his market next spring. The Colts have not been shy about retaining in-house players during Ballard’s tenure as GM, although a philosophical shift was implemented this offseason. That could contribute to a 2026 free agent departure in this case.

The Colts have Michael Pittman Jr. on the books for another two years (with his $18MM base salary guaranteed in full for 2025.). He will be counted on to remain the team’s No. 1 wideout irrespective of who earns the starting quarterback gig. Ashton Dulin was re-signed on a two-year pact this offseason, and he will provide Indianapolis with a cost-effective depth option. Pierce is joined by Josh Downs (third round, 2023) and Adonai Mitchell (second round, 2024) as a Colts wideout attached to a rookie contract.

The team would therefore still have low-cost receivers to supplement Pittman in the event Pierce were to leave on the open market. It will be interesting to see if things change and efforts are made to work out a deal as the 2025 season progresses.