Key Takeaways:
* Insiders suggest the Pittsburgh Steelers could target Indianapolis Colts’ wide receiver Alec Pierce.
* Even though Pierce hasn’t yet exceeded 600 yards per season, his potential and big-play ability make him a strong candidate for the Steelers.
* Despite the potential roadblocks in terms of a possible trade, observers believe Pierce would strongly complement Pittsburgh’s current line-up.
Compelling Option for Pittsburgh Steelers: Alec Pierce
The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing a challenging season ahead, mainly due to a thinning lineup of wide receiver points. However, options may be available that the Steel City could explore. According to a recent article from SI.com’s All Steelers, authored by Stephen Thompson, the Steelers might find an impressive solution in Indianapolis Colts’ wide receiver Alec Pierce.
Thompson spots four potential candidates the Steelers might consider for their squad, highlighting Pierce as a compelling pick for the team, particularly given his impressive track record. Despite only two seasons under his belt, Pierce has recorded 1,107 yards from 73 receptions. His strength as a solid run blocker and a formidable downfield threat would aid the Steelers as they scramble to bolster their ranks.
Breaking Down Pierce’s Record
Though Pierce hasn’t topped the 600-yard mark per season yet, the statistics show he’s a reliable performer averaging 15.2 yards per successful catch in his first 33 NFL games. Last season, he managed an appreciable yardage of 16.1 yards per grab. Drafted at No. 53 overall in the 2022 NFL draft, Pierce has been steadily establishing his stature in the NFL.
The Colts re-signed Michael Pittman Jr. and added wideout Josh Downs in the 2023 NFL draft. Thompson suggests this could inspire Indianapolis to consider trading Pierce, opening up potential avenues for the Steelers.
Fitting Into the Steelers’ Framework
The current scenario at the Pittsburgh Steelers indicates an urgent need for a strong wide receiver. New additions like Michigan wideout Roman Wilson, who was drafted in the third round of 2024, Van Jefferson, and Quez Watkins, have not completely filled the vacuum left by Diontae Johnson’s exit. While both Jefferson and Watkins managed a combined total of only 351 receiving yards in 2023, Wilson is a newbie who can’t be relied on for immediate results.
Thus, Pearce, with his big-play profile, seems like a desirable prospect. He could team up brilliantly with George Pickens and generate an explosive second-round receiver duo averaging over 15 yards per catch.
Trade Implications and Challenges
Despite the discussions, it’s not confirmed whether the Colts have made Pierce available for trades. Adding to Pittsburgh’s challenges, Colt’s strong receiver depth due to Pittman’s and Down’s presence also reduces their pressure to trade Pierce.
Thompson’s analysis suggests that the Colts might receive substantial draft capital for Pierce in a potential trade, something the Steelers might find acceptable given their current WR2 desperation. However, Pierce’s potential trade might challenge Steelers’ General Manager Omar Khan’s patient approach towards his team’s build-up during this offseason.
Moreover, Pierce is contracted for an affordable deal for two more years. Therefore, the Colts may not feel a rush to trade him. Nevertheless, as the Steelers look to improve their game ahead of a critical season, Alec Pierce might come to paint a silver lining to Pittsburgh’s cloudy wide receiver horizon.