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Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce

The two biggest priorities for the Indianapolis Colts this offseason were retaining Alec Pierce and Daniel Jones. Indy secured the two offensive players on a combined deal worth over $200 million,

Indy brought back Pierce on a four-year, $114 million deal, with another $2 million in incentives, putting the former Cincinnati Bearcat among the top 15 highest-paid wide receivers in the league.

Many speculated that the deal was an overpay for a receiver who had just achieved his first 1,000-plus yard season. But Colts general manager Chris Ballard defends the team’s decision to “overpay” the former second-round draft choice.

Chris Ballard Talks “Overpaying” Alec Pierce

GettyGeneral manager Chris Ballard of the Indianapolis

Since joining the Indianapolis Colts in the 2022 NFL Draft, Alec Pierce has improved with the experience he gained. The wide receiver has totaled 2,934 receiving yards and 17 touchdown receptions through his first four seasons in the league.

After retaining Alec Pierce, the Colts traded Michael Pittman Jr. to the Pittsburgh Steelers, giving clear signs that he will be WR1. So paying extra for a 25-year-old player to lead a receiving core makes sense for Indy.

“Well, I think a lot of people would have overpaid if we ‘overpaid,'” Ballard said on the Rich Eisen Show. “So, I think others would have overpaid also. Um, no. Alec is excellent.”

“You never overpay a good player, Rich. You can’t overpay a good player… He’s unselfish, he’s never complained… He can beat you at every level and that’s what made him a lot more consistent as a player.”

Alec Pierce expressed his desire to return to the Colts before free agency and did just that. But, fans will have to wait a bit before seeing him on a field again.

Alec Pierce On Why Be Returned to Indianapolis

GettyAlec Pierce of the Indianapolis Colts

Alec Pierce was one of the hottest free agents of the latest offseason and had many suitors. But it was revealed that the wide receiver turned down more money to remain with the Indianapolis Colts.

“I knew at the bottom of my heart this was where I wanted to be,” Pierce said, via the Colts. “I knew [the Colts] wanted me here, and I wanted to be here, so it was an easy decision… I believe in what we have going on here.”

“I believe in our team, I believe in the players we have in place. That first of half of the season, I think we truly had something special going. And I know we didn’t finish the way we wanted to finish, but I think I’m able to look back on that and look at how we were playing and know we can be the best team in the NFL.”

Despite returning to the Colts, the wide receiver won’t be on the practice field until training camp, as he is recovering from ankle surgery that will sideline him for three months.

Pierce was dealing with his injury last season, which became a maintenance issue. The wide receiver decided not to opt for surgery before consulting with doctors and ultimately decided to go through with the process.