With fewer options for wide receivers available for the Pittsburgh Steelers, experts are starting to suggest new wide receivers for the Steelers in offseason rumors. On May 4, SI.com’s All Steelers’ Stephen Thompson suggested that the team consider targeting Indianapolis Colts receiver Alec Pierce.
. Thompson named Pierce as one of four new potential candidates for the Steelers to go after at wide receiver.
“Pierce is a high-reaching target. After just two seasons, he’s already accumulated 1,107 yards on 73 catches,” stated Thompson. “If a fundamental aspect of Arthur Smith’s offense is going to be robust running and deep, play-action passing, it’s hard to think of a better match than Pierce.
“He’s a reliable run blocker and produces explosive plays downfield as a purely external receiver, which is something the Steelers truly need.”
Pierce has not yet surpassed the 600-yard milestone in a season. But he has averaged 15.2 yards per catch in his initial 33 NFL games. Last year, he achieved 16.1 yards per reception.
The Colts selected Pierce at No. 53 overall in the 2022 NFL draft. But Thompson suggested that Indianapolis could trade the 24-year-old because Indianapolis re-signed receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and added wide receiver Josh Downs in the 2023 NFL draft.
Reasons Why WR Alec Pierce Could Be Compatible With the Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers chose Michigan wide receiver Roman Wilson in the third round of the 2024 NFL draft. However, it would be a lot to expect the Steelers to rely on Wilson as a starter opposite George Pickens this fall.
Pittsburgh brought in veteran receivers Van Jefferson and Quez Watkins after dealing Diontae Johnson this offseason. However, Jefferson and Watkins jointly only managed 351 receiving yards during 2023.
No other Steelers receiver on their roster, apart from Pickens, garnered 210 receiving yards last season.
Ideally, the Steelers will recruit a seasoned receiver to play externally with Pickens. This will allow Pittsburgh to shift Wilson inside to the slot.
Pierce was at the forefront of Thompson’s list of suggested targets for receivers on May 4. His knack for big plays would be an interesting match with Pickens, who led the NFL in yards per catch last season. Pierce could further establish his reputation for big plays with Russell Wilson’s ability to throw deep passes.
With Pickens and Pierce, the Steelers would possess a pair of second-round receivers from the 2022 draft who could average more than 15 yards per reception this autumn.
The Potential Cost of Acquiring Pierce in an NFL Trade
There is no indication that the Colts have made Pierce available on the trade market. However, there are reasons why it would make sense for Indianapolis to trade Pierce.
Firstly, the Colts have depth at receiver with Pittman and Downs. Additionally, Thompson projected that Indianapolis could acquire a substantial amount of draft picks in exchange for Pierce in a trade. Thompson argued that this should be acceptable to the Steelers since they are growing desperate to add a WR2.
“Omar Khan might be able to negotiate his transfer from Indianapolis before he’s due to receive a larger salary in a couple of years, but it would require a generous package of draft picks,” stated Thompson. “Nevertheless, that might be worthwhile considering the Steelers’ current urgent situation at wide receiver.”
It could also be argued, though, that this is a reason why Pierce may not be suitable for the Steelers. General manager Omar Khan has appeared patient in his decision-making this offseason, particularly in adding a WR2. This is why the team has yet to recruit a veteran receiver.
It might be a mistake to become more aggressive now that the best receiver options are no longer available.
So, most likely, Khan will continue to be patient and find a valuable WR2 addition as he did with the Russell Wilson and Justin Fields acquisitions.
Even if the Steelers show interest in Pierce, there’s no guarantee he will be available for a trade. He is under contract in an affordable deal for two more years. The urgency for the Colts to move him ahead of a season where they intend to compete could be very low.
