Houston, we have a problem — it’s called stopping Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce.
After hauling in a 53-yard reception from rookie quarterback Riley Leonard, Pierce notched his first career
1,000+ yard season after four seasons in Indianapolis. It’s the first 1,000-yard season from a Colts passcatcher since Michael Pittman Jr. had 1,152 receiving yards in the 2023-24 season.
Against the Houston Texans in the regular season finale, Pierce totaled 4 receptions on 7 targets for 132 receiving yards (33-yard average) and 2 touchdowns. His day could’ve been even better had he not been ejected late in the third quarter for ‘making contact with the referee’ following an incomplete touchdown call, though at least his 1,000-yard season is safe. For what it’s worth, he did apologize and shake hands with the field referee upon his exit to the locker room.
Alec Pierce put up career-highs in targets (84), receptions (47), and receiving yards (1,003) in his fourth NFL season. He also notched season-highs in catch rate (55.9%), first down gains (41), and longest reception (66). Leading the NFL in yards per reception (21.3) for the second consecutive season, Pierce also notched the tied for 8th-fewest receptions (47) required for a 1,000-yard season in the Super Bowl Era.
A 2022 second-round draft pick (53rd overall), Pierce has gone from pure athlete to designated deep threat, evolving into his final (or perhaps most recent) form in 2025-26 that’s showcased a much more fleshed out passcatcher.
Pierce just concluded the final year of his rookie contract and is now primed to hit the open market with his stock at an all-time high. It was reported midway through the regular season that he could potentially demand upwards of $20M annually, but at this point, that feels like a starting point in negotiations.
Longtime Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. is set to be the team’s WR1 for one more season, though the future is up for grabs, and a subtle passing of the torch seems to be underway. The Indianapolis Colts simply must prioritize re-signing Alec Pierce.
