HEADLINES

Alec Pierce

Colts’ Alec Pierce, Adonai Mitchell To Compete For Starting WR Spot

June 28th, 2024 at 1:16pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Colts have Michael Pittman Jr. on the books for three more years, and he is set to reprise his role as the team’s top receiver. Indianapolis has consistently made draft investments aimed at providing strong complementary options in the passing game, though, and a competition for a starting spot is on hand this summer.

Pittman inked a three-year deal including $41MM fully guaranteed after receiving the franchise tag. That pact is one of several major commitments made at the position around the league, but the Colts have a number of other pass-catching options attached to rookie contracts. That includes 2023 third-rounder Josh Downs, who had a strong rookie season and figures to log a heavy workload in the slot moving forward.

The other perimeter starting spot is up for grabs. Over the past two years, it has belonged to Alec Pierce, but the 24-year-old has struggled to make an impact early in his career. Drafted in the second round in 2022, Pierce’s abilities as a deep threat have resulted in a yards-per-catch average of 15.2, but he has managed only 73 receptions so far. A more diverse workload could see him receive more targets, but the team’s latest rookie class includes new competition for a first-team role.

Adonai Mitchell is set to compete with Pierce for the WR3 role this summer, as detailed by ESPN’s Stephen Holder. The Texas alum enjoyed a strong season in 2023, making him one of two intriguing Longhorns wideouts in the 2024 class. Mitchell emerging as a key contributor during his rookie season could cut into Pierce’s impact in the offense, something which in turn would of course not bode well for his future in Indianapolis. Two years remain on the latter’s contract.

The Colts ranked 10th in the league in rushing last season, one in which quarterback Anthony Richardson was severely limited through injury. To no surprise, that resulted in a ranking of only 20th in terms of production through the air, something the team will look to rebound from with a healthy Richardson. Better output from the receiver spot will also help in that regard, and the competition between Mitchell and Pierce for first-team duties will be a key summer storyline.

NFL Draft Pick Signings: 5/17/22

May 17th, 2022 at 5:14pm CST by Ely Allen

Here are the latest draft pick signings around the NFL:

Chicago Bears

Dallas Cowboys

Detroit Lions

Indianapolis Colts

Colts Sign Second-Round WR Alec Pierce

May 16th, 2022 at 4:14pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Colts used a second-round pick on a wide receiver for the third time in four years. They agreed to terms with the most recent of those — Cincinnati alum Alec Pierce — on his four-year rookie deal Monday.

Indianapolis took Pierce 53rd overall, after having traded down 11 spots via the Vikings on Day 2 of the draft. Pierce is Indy’s top draft pick this year, with the team having traded its 2022 first to Philadelphia for Carson Wentz, and will be expected to be an early contributor.

Although the Colts roster Michael Pittman Jr., they have not received much from 2019 second-rounder Parris Campbell, who has suffered numerous injuries as a pro. Indianapolis sat out the veteran receiver market, though they did add ex-Houston slot player Keke Coutee on a reserve/futures deal. This situation, one that does not include T.Y. Hilton presently, would point to the Colts being in the mix for one of the veteran wideouts still available. As is, Pierce will not receive much acclimation time.

Pierce went off the board in between wideouts George Pickens (Steelers) and Skyy Moore (Chiefs). A 6-foot-3, 211-pound target, Pierce helped Cincinnati become the first Group of Five program to advance to the College Football Playoff. He caught 52 passes for 884 yards and eight touchdowns last season. Although Pierce did not post a 1,000-yard season in college, a knee injury limited him to six games in a 2020 season already shortened by the pandemic. He led the 2021 Bearcats in receiving by a wide margin.