Daniel Jones was, without question, a priority signing for the Indianapolis Colts, and a massive winner, after last season ended and the offseason began. Despite his injury and, at the time of the re-signing, an uncertain recovery timetable, the Colts still had faith in him to be their quarterback; priority signing number one, accomplished.Â
Priority signing number two was wide receiver Alec Pierce, who broke out last season despite not being the Colts No. 1 target. Still, Pierce racked up a career high 1,003 receiving yards and 47 receptions, adding six touchdowns on the season. Contrastingly, as the Colts' No. 1 target, Michael Pittman Jr. totalled 784 yards on 80 receptions and seven touchdowns.Â
Perhaps Pittman's time in Indianapolis was coming to an end no matter what, but the reception contrasts between him and Pierce are incredible when you consider each player's yards totaled. So, the Colts decided on Pierce for the future, but it didn't come without its critics, and there were plenty. What Pierce does next season can either shut them up or give them more room to be louder.
Indianapolis Colts' WR Alec Pierce has 17 games to turn his critics over to his side
Interestingly enough, it wasn't only Peirce's new deal that sparked rumblings; Jones's deal also stirred up controversy. One similar critique directed at Jones and Pierce was their respective track records; had either player done enough to prove they were worth $88 and $114 million deals?
An argument against Jones has its value, considering his NFL career hasn't exactly blown anyone away.
An argument against Pierce is less attractive, though. Pierce is expected to have an even better season in 2026, and as the primary target in Indianapolis, he should make good on those expectations. Pierce is about to come face-to-face with a massive opportunity to close the mouths of everyone who spoke against his new deal, and the faith the Colts are placing in him.Â
Pittman was good for the Colts for six years, but Pierce has shown qualities that could surpass Pittman's, and he might already be the better pass catcher. That doesn't make him elite in this moment, but according to many, he's not even considered a true No. 1 option.
Colts' fans will find out soon just what Pierce is fully capable of when the majority of the targets come his way.Â
Pierce has all the necessities to become a top 10 wideout over the course of next season. It may only take one season to prove his doubters that they were blind, but it's up to Pierce to make that happen. His deal is for four years, but it's unlikely he'll need all that time to get the job done.
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