The Indianapolis Colts are in a make-or-break year. After two years, it seems clear that the 2025 season is going to be the final litmus test for Anthony Richardson. One of the rawest prospects ever has shown flashes, but the final product leaves a lot to be desired.
As a result, their quarterback position is in flux, with Daniel Jones their prize-free agency signing. Finding the right pieces around Richardson is going to be key, and one analyst believes their leading receiver might not be the answer Indianapolis is looking for.
Indianapolis Colts Could Part Ways With Leading Wide Receiver?
Last season, not a single wide receiver for the Colts managed to tally even 900 receiving yards on the year. Instead, all three of Alec Pierce, Josh Downs, and Michael Pittman Jr. were in the 800s, with Pierce leading the pack at 824 yards.
Add in a career high of seven touchdowns after tallying just four in his first two seasons, and it is safe to say that Pierce became a vital part of the Colts’ offense. However, Kyle Soppe of PFSN believes the best course of action for Indianapolis is to trade him away.
“Alec Pierce is entering a contract year and while he’s a strong player, is he a good fit in a crowded receiver room for a team that isn’t sure what the future holds under center?” Soppe questioned.
Instead of keeping their WR room bloated, he believes some help on the defensive end might be more beneficial for the team.
“The soon-to-be 25-year-old receiver won’t bring back a monster package, but there are a number of playoff teams that could use some receiver depth, and the Colts are very much in the business of getting some help on the defensive side of the ball.”
Last year, they were 21st on PFSN’s Offense+ metric despite Joe Flacco and the erratic play from Richardson. The defense, on the other hand, was slightly worse with a No. 23 ranking on the corresponding Defense+ metric.
With some improvement on that side of the football, Soppe even envisions a potential playoff push from the boys in Indianapolis. “If the Colts can round things out around the edges and get Anthony Richardson to develop, a double-digit win season is certainly within the range of outcomes.”
There is a good-to-great offensive core already in place for the Colts. Trading away Pierce isn’t going to diminish that in a major way. But it might make the team more well-rounded and ready for a postseason push.