The Pittsburgh Steelers have been searching for wide receiver help since trading George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys on May 7. Now, as the preseason quickly comes to a close, they may finally have found the answer. The latest rumored trade candidate could be just what this team needs.
Chris Mueller of 93.7 The Fan suggests that Indianapolis Colts receiver Alec Pierce is available for trade, and the Steelers should be on the phone.
"Indy's Alec Pierce is evidently available," Mueller posted on X. "I'm absolutely picking up the phone if I'm Omar Khan. Led [the] NFL in ypc last year. Very similar skill set to [George] Pickens. Big downfield threat. I think [he] could turn into a good WR2 long term."
Mueller isn't wrong. Pierce shares a remarkably similar skill set to former Steelers WR George Pickens. At 6'3'' and 211 pounds with 4.41 speed and 33-inch arms, Pierce has the speed to win deep down the field and the frame to box out smaller defenders. This was evidenced by his league-leading 22.3 yards per catch last season.
Ironically, Pierce was selected by the Colts just one pick after the Steelers took Pickens in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. And Pierce's production isn't far behind after his first three seasons.
In 16 games in 2024, Pierce managed to rake in 824 yards and seven touchdowns compared to 900 yards and three touchdowns for Pickens last season. The fourth-year receiver would be the perfect replacement for Pickens and could come at the right cost.
The Pittsburgh Steelers should trade for WR Alec Pierce if he's available
Alec Pierce isn't the most well-rounded receiver in terms of route running and lateral agility, but his elite deep speed and ability to win down the field consistently make him a perfect option as the 'Z' receiver to pair with DK Metcalf in the Pittsburgh Steelers' 2025 offense.
If Pierce was added to the mix, Roman Wilson and Calvin Austin III could compete for snaps as the team's primary slot receiver. Pierce is also a quality blocker on the outside—something Arthur Smith would no doubt enjoy.
Though this feels like a one-year rental, the Steelers could offer Pierce a contract extension immediately after the 2025 season if he outperforms expectations. This could set the stage for the next quarterback Pittsburgh drafts.
But why would the Colts want to trade Pierce if he's a quality receiver?
The answer is relatively simple: they have too many mouths to feed. The Colts paid Michael Pittman a lot of money to be the No. 1 receiver in Indy, and GM Chris Ballard drafted Adonai Mitchell in the second round last year. Meanwhile, Josh Downs has proven to be a consistent option from the slot, and now the Colts have a first-round tight end who will soak up targets in Tyler Warren.
At the cost of possibly a fourth-round pick and maybe a late Day 3 pick in 2027, the Steelers could find a wide receiver upgrade in Alec Pierce. If the trade rumors are true, Omar Khan should pounce.