Indianapolis Colts Still Searching for Reliable No. 2 Wide Receiver Behind Pittman Jr.
The Indianapolis Colts’ receiving corps remains a glaring question mark as the 2025 season approaches. While Michael Pittman Jr. has cemented himself as the team’s No. 1 option, his 2024 season was marred by injuries and a noticeable dip in production compared to his breakout 2023 campaign. With Pittman fighting through setbacks and inconsistency around him, the offense was left without a true second option in the passing game something that must be resolved if the Colts want to take a leap forward with Anthony Richardson under center.
Who Will Emerge as WR2?
Alec Pierce was once seen as the logical choice to become the team’s deep threat and stretch-the-field option. His size and speed combination made him a tantalizing target when the Colts needed a big play. However, his role has remained narrowly defined. He’s shown he can get behind defenses, but questions about his route running, reliability, and ability to contribute in short-to-intermediate areas continue to linger. If Pierce is going to grow into a true No. 2 receiver, he’ll need to diversify his game and become a more complete pass-catcher.
Josh Downs, on the other hand, has been the most consistent of the secondary receivers. Operating primarily out of the slot, he’s carved out a reliable role in moving the chains and serving as a safety valve for Richardson. However, his size and usage profile raise doubts about whether he can be a traditional WR2 who lines up outside and consistently wins against top corners. Still, among the current options, Downs appears to have the inside track for the role simply due to his consistency and production.
Adonai Mitchell, a name that generated plenty of offseason buzz last year, remains the wild card. Hopes were high for the former Texas standout, but his rookie campaign was underwhelming. He struggled to separate, dropped passes, and never quite found rhythm in the offense. While his physical tools and college pedigree are intriguing, Mitchell needs a strong bounce-back in 2025 to justify his draft hype and push for a bigger role.
The Bottom Line
The Colts have assembled a group of young receivers with potential, but potential alone won’t get it done in a competitive AFC South. If Pittman regains form, the pressure shifts to Downs, Pierce, or Mitchell to emerge as a viable second threat. Right now, Downs is the closest thing the Colts have to a WR2, but it’s not a perfect fit. Pierce must evolve beyond a deep threat, and Mitchell needs to prove he belongs.
Indianapolis doesn’t need a superstar next to Pittman — just someone reliable, versatile, and consistent. Whether that player is already in the building or still yet to arrive remains one of the biggest storylines to watch this offseason.
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