Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs has requested a trade as the team continues to move veteran players ahead of the NFL trade deadline, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. The Colts have already dealt offensive guard Quenton Nelson and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner following the firing of general manager Chris Ballard, and running back Jonathan Taylor is also mentioned as a potential trade candidate.
Downs' situation and production
Downs is in the final year of his rookie contract and has drawn interest from multiple teams. "It is what it is," Downs told reporters on Wednesday. "I'm here today, but whatever comes my way comes my way." Through seven games this season, he leads the Colts with 26 receptions for 307 yards and zero touchdowns. With Alec Pierce sidelined by an ankle injury, Downs, Keenan Allen, and tight end Tyler Warren have carried the passing attack. The 2023 third-round pick from North Carolina has accumulated 1,964 receiving yards from the slot since entering the league, ranking second in the NFL behind Detroit's Amon-Ra St. Brown. His best season came in 2024 with 72 catches for 803 yards and five touchdowns. In 54 career games, he has 224 receptions for 2,447 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Potential landing spots
Los Angeles Rams: The Rams are 3-4 and have lost Davante Adams to injured reserve with a hamstring injury. Beyond Puka Nacua, only Konata Mumpfield caught a pass in their Week 7 win. Adding Downs would give Matthew Stafford another reliable target in Sean McVay's offense.
New England Patriots: A reunion with quarterback Drake Maye, his college teammate at North Carolina, makes sense. In 2022, Downs caught 94 passes for 1,029 yards and 11 of Maye's 38 touchdown passes. New England's passing attack ranks in the top 10, but Romeo Doubs is on injured reserve and A.J. Brown has been limited by a high ankle sprain. Tight end Hunter Henry leads the team with 296 receiving yards.
Atlanta Falcons: Michael Penix Jr. has excelled since his 2026 debut, becoming the fourth Falcons quarterback to throw for 200-plus yards and three touchdowns with zero interceptions in consecutive games. Drake London dominates targets (38 catches, 616 yards), but free-agent addition Jahan Dotson has only 12 receptions and Zachariah Branch 10. Atlanta could use another weapon in its NFC South push.
Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs signed Kenneth Walker III to complement Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, and Tyquan Thornton, but Rice is out with a hamstring injury, Worthy has 24 catches for 217 yards, and Thornton is on injured reserve. Travis Kelce, 37, should not be the leading receiver. Kansas City's offense managed zero explosive plays and zero red-zone trips in a 20-3 loss to Seattle, highlighting the need for another playmaker for Patrick Mahomes.
Las Vegas Raiders: Las Vegas may have the league's thinnest receiver room. Tre Tucker leads with 29 catches for 474 yards and four touchdowns; no other wideout has topped 115 yards. The passing attack relies heavily on tight end Brock Bowers, running back Ashton Jeanty, and tight end Michael Mayer. Downs could step in immediately for quarterback Kirk Cousins and provide a long-term option.
