The Indianapolis Colts made a notable addition to their wide receiver group by agreeing to a one-year contract with veteran Keenan Allen that can reach as much as $8.32 million.

The move comes relatively late in the offseason and immediately improves the depth and experience available to quarterback Daniel Jones, giving the offense another proven target who has produced consistently throughout his career.

However, Zachary Rotman of FanSided observed that the timing of this signing also carries an unsettling implication for Alec Pierce.

After a breakout campaign, Pierce secured a four-year, $114 million extension to stay in Indianapolis, only to undergo ankle surgery soon afterward.

He has remained sidelined ever since, and the decision to bring in a receiver of Allen’s caliber at this stage of the calendar invites questions about Pierce’s readiness for the season opener.

Public comments from the organization have suggested Pierce is still expected to play in Week 1 and that his recovery has proceeded without major interruptions.

Yet he has not practiced at all, and only a short window remains before regular-season games begin. Had the Colts been certain Pierce would be available and simply wanted extra depth, they likely would have added a player like Allen much earlier, allowing him to participate in training camp and the preseason so he could become familiar with the scheme before the games that actually count.

Even if those concerns prove unfounded, Allen still represents a worthwhile addition. He recorded 777 receiving yards last season with the Chargers and remains a reliable option who can be targeted often.

Should Pierce miss time, Allen would give Indianapolis a dependable presence alongside Josh Downs, while the rest of the skill-position group already looks solid with Jonathan Taylor at running back and Tyler Warren at tight end.

Rotman adds that if Pierce is healthy, the two receivers could complement each other well. Pierce has established himself as a vertical threat capable of creating big plays downfield.

Allen, by contrast, is a bigger, more physical receiver who can work the shorter and intermediate areas, help move the chains, and occupy the kind of role Michael Pittman Jr. filled before being traded to Pittsburgh.

The next couple of weeks will clarify Pierce’s situation. If he is ultimately ruled out for the opener, the late arrival of Allen will look, in retrospect, like a calculated response rather than simple roster building.