One Colts player probably made a lot of money in Week 4, and he didn’t even play a snap in the team’s loss to the Rams

A Colts player became even more vital to the team’s current and future success without even playing in Week 4

Destin Adams — NFL News Writer
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Colts GM Chris Ballard
Christine Tannous-USAToday Network via Imagn Images

The Indianapolis Colts suffered their first loss of the season in Week 4 against the Los Angeles Rams on the road. Multiple self-inflicted wounds ultimately cost the Colts, and they likely wake up today feeling like they missed a massive opportunity to improve to 4-0 on the year.

The team was without three starters in Week 4, one of whom was deep threat WR Alec Pierce, who didn’t clear the league’s concussion protocol. Despite not playing, this week cemented the fact that extending Pierce, who is playing on the final year of his rookie contract, is now a top priority for the Colts. And it wasn’t even because of anything he did himself.

If it wasn’t already, re-signing Alec Pierce should now be a top priority for the Colts

Colts WR Alec Pierce
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (14) catches a pass Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, during a game against the Denver Broncos at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Without Pierce in the lineup, the Colts elevated Adonai Mitchell into the starting lineup. Throughout the day, the team missed Pierce’s ability to be a staple in the deep game for QB Daniel Jones.

Jones had his first two interceptions of the year on deep 50-50 passes that he unfortunately couldn’t target Pierce on in Week 4. One big moment that happened in the game came on a 50-5o ball targeted at Mitchell, who made an acrobatic catch and run for what appeared to be a game-changing touchdown.

Instead, Mitchell lost control of the ball around the one-inch line and watched it bounce out of the back of the end zone for a touchback. Mitchell still has a lot of upside due to the abundance of skills he possesses. Week 4 made it clear, though, that he is not ready to be an every-week starter, and retaining Pierce beyond this season is an absolute must for Indianapolis.

NFL WR contracts to use as reference for Alec Pierce

  • Jerry Jeudy, Cleveland Browns: 3-year $52,500,000
  • Cooper Kupp, Seattle Seahawks: 3-year $45,000,000
  • Khalil Shakir, Buffalo Bills: 4-year, $53,058,000

A few contracts around the league come to mind as potential benchmarks for the type of extension Pierce could get. The high end of his market to me is that of Browns WR Jerry Jeudy. Jeudy signed a three-year, $52.5 million contract with the Browns in 2024, which runs through 2027.

Before signing that contract, Jeudy had never had a 1,000-yard season, but he showed signs of his best ball being in front of him. That sounds a lot like Pierce’s situation, with him leading the Colts in receiving in 2024, despite having the third most receptions and targets, with 824 yards.

The low end of his market probably comes in close to Bills WR Khalil Shakir. Shakir landed a new deal this offseason after having the best year of his career in 2024 with 76 receptions, 821 yards, and four touchdowns. Fairly similar numbers to Pierce, though Pierce finished with more yards and touchdowns on significantly fewer receptions.

Shakir’s four-year, $53 million seems like a fair starting point for negotiations. If I were the Colts, I’d offer a four-year, $54 million deal out of the gate and see what kind of response they get, though I’d be willing to pay more if necessary.

My prediction on Alec Pierce’s extension: three years, $50 million

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