One obvious Indianapolis Colts trade candidate entering the 2025 training camp is wide receiver Alec Pierce.
While Pierce has shown flashes of potential since being drafted, the emergence of a fully healthy Anthony Richardson at quarterback — combined with the offensive overhaul tailored around explosive dual-threat options — puts pressure on the Colts to maximize speed and versatility at the wideout position. With Michael Pittman Jr. entrenched as WR1 and younger, faster options like rookie standouts and hybrid offensive threats climbing the depth chart, Pierce’s role has become increasingly ambiguous.
Pierce has value across the league as a tall, athletic deep threat with untapped upside, particularly for teams needing a vertical weapon or red-zone contributor. But within Indianapolis, his skillset may not align with the tempo and spacing concepts being prioritized in the revamped offensive scheme.
Moreover, the Colts have quietly added depth at receiver through the draft and undrafted free agency, which means competition in camp will be fierce. If Pierce falls behind early in reps or fails to establish clear chemistry with Richardson, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Indianapolis shop him to a team seeking a reliable outside target with room to grow.
The timing also lines up for a potential move: trading Pierce during camp or preseason allows GM Chris Ballard to recoup mid-round value while also giving the young receiver a fresh start elsewhere. For a team on the cusp of postseason contention, flipping a non-essential piece for defensive depth or a draft pick could be an efficient roster management move heading into the season.