Indianapolis Colts’ wide receiver Alec Pierce put together a breakout season in 2024, and did so as one of the game’s most productive downfield targets.
In total, Pierce hauled in 824 receiving yards and did so at a whopping 22.3 yards per catch, which led the NFL, and he scored seven touchdowns. His 12 receptions for 20-plus yards were also the sixth-most among wideouts, per PFF.
Looking to build off of that performance in 2025, Pierce will continue to be a vertical presence in this offense. But as Shane Steichen highlighted recently, and Pierce has discussed this himself, he is also working to expand his game so he can make an impact in a variety of ways.
“This time, especially right now and into training camp, you try different things with him,” Steichen said before Thursday’s OTA practice. “Obviously, things he wants to get better and improve at, certain routes to keep getting better at and keep working those things so he can improve in that and we can add that to his game as well.”
Of Pierce’s total target share last season, nearly half of them came on downfield pass attempts, which was the second-highest rate of any receiver in football.
Pierce becoming a more well-rounded route runner will not only allow him to attack different levels of the field, but also do so in a variety of ways. This then not only creates more opportunities for himself, but the trickle-down effect is that Steichen gains more flexibility as he puts game plans together, and it can open up opportunities for others in the passing game as well.
“I think he just keeps doing this,” Steichen says as he motions upward.” I really do. Obviously, the deep ball threat is there, but he’s done a great job at transitioning in and out of breaks on certain routes that we’re working on.”
Entering a contract year and coming off a career season, Pierce wants to showcase that he can impact the game in a multitude of ways.
“If I’m Alec,” said wide receivers coach Reggie Wayne, “my mission would be we shouldn’t have to swap and have Pitt run it–I can run it. So for me, that would be my goal if I’m Alec and he’s working on that.”
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts OTAs: Shane Steichen on what’s next for WR Alec Pierce