Alec Pierce was one of the biggest breakout stars of the 2025 season, and a recent report suggests he could be in for an even better 2026. A second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati product established himself as one of the league’s premier deep threats over the past few seasons. After beginning his career on a clogged depth chart, Pierce originally broke out in 2024 by recording 37 receptions for 824 yards, seven touchdowns, and a league-best 22.3 yards per reception.
This was obviously an impressive campaign, but he continued to improve in 2025. Appearing in 15 games, Pierce recorded 47 receptions for 1,003 yards and six touchdowns on 84 targets and once again led the league with 21.3 yards per reception. He did all this despite losing quarterback Daniel Jones midway through the season and having Philip Rivers come off the couch and play a sizable chunk of the season. The wideout would have been one of the top free agents on the open market, but Indianapolis signed him to a four-year, $113 million deal in the offseason.
The heavy financial commitment to Alec Pierce and quarterback Daniel Jones gave the Colts no choice but to trade wide receiver Michael Pittman to the Pittsburgh Steelers. With Adonai Mitchell on the Jets, the Colts do not have much in terms of proven receivers beyond Pierce and Josh Downs. However, despite this, a recent report from The Athletic’s James Boyd states the team will not look for a third wide receiver and feels comfortable with the players they already have.
Alec Pierce Poised For Big Year After Latest Report
While Alec Pierce led the team in yards, Pittman actually led the Colts in receptions and was second on the team in targets, trailing rookie tight end Tyler Warren by just one. It should go without saying that Pierce will not receive every single vacated target, but he should see an increased workload with Pittman out of the picture. Pierce and Pittman are dramatically different players, as Pierce excels at stretching the field and picking up chunk yardage, while Pittman is more of a possession receiver who can make plays in the middle of the field.
Frankly, these types of targets are far more likely to go to Warren and Downs than to Alec Pierce. However, that doesn’t mean Pierce won’t see extra work. Chances are, the Colts will embrace a more vertical passing attack, especially since Daniel Jones will ideally be healthy for the entire season. Assuming both players stay on the field for a full season, look for Alec Pierce to record career highs in receptions and yards for the second straight season. Even if Jones cannot stay on the field, backup Riley Leonard played well in limited action last year and could probably keep Pierce productive.