Josh Downs Trade Talk Heats Up as Colts Continue Fire Sale

The Indianapolis Colts may not be finished dismantling their roster. After trading Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner within hours of each other on Tuesday, slot receiver Josh Downs has emerged as the next player who could be on the move before the Nov. 10 deadline. Receiver-needy teams have already placed calls about the young pass-catcher, according to Jordan Schultz.

Downs sits in the final year of his rookie contract, making him an affordable option for contenders looking to bolster their receiving corps. The Athletic’s Daniel Popper projected his remaining cap hit at approximately $1.96 million for any team acquiring him before the deadline. The 26-catch, 307-yard, 45-target season represents a downturn from his first three campaigns, when he posted 68, 72, and 58 receptions.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter placed Downs on a short list alongside Buckner and Grover Stewart as Colts who could be dealt, with Buckner already headed elsewhere. Bleacher Report’s Timothy Rapp identified the Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers as the top landing spots for the slot specialist. Multiple contenders now find themselves in the mix as the trade deadline approaches.

Chiefs Face Urgent Receiver Shortage

Kansas City carries the most pressing need among interested parties. The Chiefs managed just 3 points in their first loss of the season at Seattle on Sunday, with Rashee Rice sidelined again due to hamstring and knee injuries and Tyquan Thornton also inactive. The offense has shrunk noticeably without Rice’s presence, creating a void the defending champions must address.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported on NFL Network that Kansas City has been actively calling around for help. Downs fits precisely what Patrick Mahomes lacks in the current setup. More than 74% of Downs’s career snaps have come from the slot, and he carried a 75.4 overall grade through six games, ranking 26th among 86 qualifying receivers according to PFF.

Rapp acknowledged that Downs “isn’t an elite receiver by any means,” but a reliable underneath target on a cheap expiring deal represents exactly the kind of move a contender makes in late October. The Chiefs need immediate help, and Downs offers a proven slot option who can contribute without breaking the salary cap. Kansas City’s championship window remains wide open, making the urgency for offensive reinforcements particularly acute.

Patriots Present College Connection

The New England Patriots bring both a Drake Maye connection and a depleted receiver room to the table. Downs and Maye overlapped at North Carolina in 2022, when Downs caught 94 passes for 1,029 yards and 11 touchdowns. Sports Illustrated’s Mike Kadlick listed New England among the best fits for the receiver.

The need runs deep for the Patriots. Romeo Doubs sits on injured reserve with a shoulder injury, Mack Hollins remains out with a calf injury, and A.J. Brown has posted just 9 catches for 101 yards since returning from his ankle sprain. At 4-3, New England stands at a crossroads, still deciding whether to buy or sell, which represents the only factor keeping them from the top position in the Downs sweepstakes.

The college chemistry between Downs and Maye could accelerate their on-field connection, offering New England a plug-and-play option for their young quarterback. The Patriots must determine whether their current record warrants an aggressive push for playoff contention or signals the need for further rebuilding. That decision will ultimately determine how aggressively they pursue Downs before the deadline.

Steelers Enter Crowded AFC North Race

Pittsburgh sits at 5-2 in an AFC North where all four teams remain within a game of each other, creating intense competition that could drive the Steelers toward a trade. Rapp’s analysis positioned Pittsburgh as another logical destination for Downs, though the article stops short of detailing their specific needs. The Steelers typically operate cautiously at the deadline, but the tight divisional race may force a more aggressive approach this year.

The tight standings in the division mean every game carries playoff implications, and adding a reliable slot receiver could provide the edge Pittsburgh needs to separate from the pack. The Steelers have historically valued proven contributors on reasonable contracts, making Downs’s expiring rookie deal particularly attractive. Whether Pittsburgh pulls the trigger depends on their confidence in the current roster and their willingness to part with draft capital in a balanced division fight.

Colts Continue Roster Overhaul

The Colts’ willingness to trade established veterans signals a clear shift toward rebuilding or retooling. Dealing Nelson, an All-Pro guard, and Buckner, a defensive cornerstone, in rapid succession demonstrates that Indianapolis views few players as untouchable. Downs represents another asset the front office can flip for future draft picks while his value remains high enough to attract competitive offers.

The timing of these moves suggests Indianapolis wants to maximize return before the deadline passes and opportunities disappear. Trading Downs now allows the Colts to recoup draft capital while giving him a chance to contribute to a contender’s playoff push. The organization appears committed to this path, making additional moves before Nov. 10 increasingly likely as interested teams continue reaching out about available players.