The Indianapolis Colts have a new number one receiver. Alec Pierce’s new $114 million deal makes him the big man on campus. Well, at least the big man in the receiver room for the Colts. If he can build on last year, he has a chance to earn every penny. Beyond his own abilities, having a competent group around him will work wonders. When you look at the current roster, however, the options leave something to be desired.
Michael Pittman Jr. is gone. That one is going to sting a bit. Even Pierce, himself,
might not be fully healthy to start the season. Whether he is or isn’t, after Josh Downs, the red flags are apparent. Ashton Dulin, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Deion Burks, and Anthony Gould round out the depth. Which name on that list gives you confidence? They may all be NFL caliber players and have a role on this team but the number two receiver, or even the third, isn’t it. Not if the Colts want to win.
There is veteran talent out there to float the boat while Pierce recovers and provide additional support and cover when he returns. Stefon Diggs is out there waiting for a team. He might not be worth the headache, but the talent is there. Ok, let’s pivot to someone less dramatic. What about Keenan Allen or Deebo Samuel? There were rumors a month ago about the Colts possibly being interested in bringing them on board. Are they the greatest options in the world? Probably not, but are they worse than a Week 1 lineup that starts Westbrook-Ikhine as the number three? You be the judge.
This isn’t meant to demean any of these players. One or two could shock us and be the next big thing. Odds of that aren’t overly high though, if we are being honest. Some are simply unproven but throwing them out as the second or third option behind Downs to start the year won’t do them any favors either. The Colts have time to make a move. Will they, though?
