Steelers Trade for 800-Yard Playmaker to Bolster WR Corps

Entering this offseason, it was clear that the Pittsburgh Steelers needed to improve the offense.

Regardless of who ends up playing quarterback, the offense just didn’t have enough playmakers. As a result, the team traded for D.K. Metcalf from the Seahawks, who will immediately be the team’s No. 1 pass-catcher.

Initially, it seemed like the Steelers would finally have a top receiver duo, with Metcalf joining George Pickens. However, the team went on to ship Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys in another offseason trade, meaning the team could still use reinforcements at receiver.

As a result, Alex Kozora of Steelers Depot identified Alex Pierce of the Indianapolis Colts as a possible trade target.

“Of theoretical #Steelers’ trade targets, I’d call the Colts about WR Alec Pierce,” said Kozora. “Big downfield threat who just turned 25 and still on his rookie contract. Don’t know if Colts have interest but he could get squeezed with Pittman/Downs and if AD Mitchell progresses.”

As Kozora mentioned, Pierce could be intriguing for the Steelers due to hi size and still playing on his rookie contract. The Colts could also be willing to move Pierce before he hits free agency and potentially leaves for nothing.

The Colts have Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, A.D. Mitchell, and Ashton Dulin on the roster, so the team should be able to withstand losing Pierce. Because of his soon-to-be expiring contract, it likely wouldn’t cost too much for the Steelers to land Pierce in a trade.

In 2024, Pierce played in 16 games and caught 37 passes for 824 yards and seven touchdowns. Pierce led the entire NFL in yards per reception and developed into a reliable downfield threat, even with subpar quarterback play.

Overall, Pierce has played in 49 games with 41 starts in his three-year career. The Cincinnati product has caught at least 32 passes and gained at least 500 yards in each of his NFL seasons, showing his consistency as a complimentary option.

In Pittsburgh, Pierce could hypothetically start on the outside opposite Metcalf, while Calvin Austin III starts in the slot and Robert Woods plays a backup role. Woods is currently penciled in as a starter, but Pierce has a much higher ceiling.

In 2025, Pierce is set to have a cap hit of over $4 million and will hit free agency next offseason. In Pittsburgh, Pierce could be a potential piece of the future while also helping out the offense in a big way this season.