Colts Bet Big on Pierce, Trade Pittman

0:00On April 6th, the Indianapolis Colts just locked up why receiver Alec Pierce with a 4-year $114 million contract after his breakout 2025 season. To make room under the cap, they shipped Michael Pittman Jr. off to the Pittsburgh Steelers, freeing of 24 million in space. Now folks are buzzing if they kept the right guy. Pierce balled out with 47 catches for a thousand three yards, six touchdowns, and a league-best 21.3 yards per catch. That was his second straight year, topping the NFL in that stat, smashing his old career highs. Pittman was the steady rock, never dipping below 69 catches in five straight full seasons outside his rookie year. He posted a 68.4% catch rate, despite juggling a bunch of quarterbacks like Daniel Jones, Anthony Richardson, and more. Dude thrived on volume, and tough yards after the catch. The big question is styles. Pierce stretches the field deep, forcing defenses to back off, while Pittman grinded underneath.

1:03With Pierce as the top option now, guys like Josh Downs and Tyda and Tyler Warren could feast, but the offense loses that reliable chain mover. Pittman brought alongside Jonathan Taylor's runs. It all boils down to Pierce stepping up as a true number one in 2026. If he builds on last year and rounds out his game, the coach looks smart for betting big on their deep threat.