As it turns out, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce had a career year in 2025, even while dealing with an ankle injury. This is what general manager Chris Ballard told the media in his pre-draft press conference on Monday, but the GM also delivered the somewhat scary news that the wideout needed surgery to correct the problem.
To compound the issue, Pierce signed a new contract this offseason that will pay him for four seasons and nearly $120 million. Not all of that is guaranteed, but $84 million is. Moreover, the size of the deal is such that it required Indy to give up the expensive Michael Pittman, Jr.
He was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers for not much return in draft capital. The move and the size of Pierce's extension mean that not only will Pierce definitely be Indy's WR1, but that he will have to be among one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. Plus, he will need to stay healthy.
Chris Ballard delivers some scary news about Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce
Ballard said that the wide receiver will not participate in organized team activities (OTAs), but that he should be ready by training camp in July. The ankle issue required a "clean-up" surgery that needs a three-month recovery. Pierce might be in the middle of that recovery currently, but the Colts are definitely not going to rush the expensive player back.
The general manager also suggested that Pierce had played through the same kind of ankle problem previously, which suggests that the wide receiver could continue to have an ankle problem. Indianapolis cannot afford that.
Still, there is some positive to hopefully take out of what Chris Ballard said. Surely, the Indianapolis Colts would not have given Alec Pierce such a huge raise if the team didn't think the wide receiver could fulfill the contract.
One also has to believe that Ballard didn't simply give in to the great pressure he might feel from ownership and fans about bringing Pierce back at all costs. In 2026, Indianapolis almost certainly has to make the playoffs, or the general manager could be (and should be) out of a job.
What must happen for the Colts to make the postseason is for Alec Pierce to be great. For him to be great, he will need to be healthy, but after Ballard's update about the wide receiver's ankle, one has a right to feel a bit nervous about his long-term health.
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