The Colts had internally decided long ago that re-signing Pierce after this season was not financially prudent, according to multiple sources. With the presence of 2024 second-round pick Adonai Mitchell and his tantalizing talent, the Colts had come to terms with losing Pierce as a free agent in the lucrative wide receiver market and viewed Mitchell as his replacement.
But after Mitchell ‘s struggles with consistency, the Colts agreed to acquiesce to the Jets’ request to include Mitchell in the Gardner trade. It was not an easy decision. The Colts were inclined not to include Mitchell , according to multiple sources. But the evolution of Pierce’s game likely impacted the decision.
The thinking on Pierce has shifted, according to sources, and the idea of him returning is now very real. His very close friendship with Gardner, his college teammate, only adds motivation on the player’s part to get a deal done.