Josh Downs might become the next Indianapolis Colts player to depart as the organization keeps moving away from important contributors before the NFL trade deadline. With the wide receiver reportedly asking for a trade, several teams could think about pursuing the 24-year-old.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that Downs has requested to leave Indianapolis and has drawn interest from multiple teams. The receiver is in the last year of his rookie contract, which makes his situation especially notable as the Colts reshape their roster.
Speaking with reporters on Wednesday, Downs stayed measured about his future. “It is what it is,” he said, according to The Athletic. “I’m here today, but whatever comes my way comes my way.”
Josh Downs’ trade request follows Colts roster changes
Indianapolis has already made major moves this week, trading offensive guard Quenton Nelson and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner after firing general manager Chris Ballard. Running back Jonathan Taylor has also surfaced as a possible trade candidate, while Downs’ reported request has added another name to the list of players whose futures are uncertain.
Downs has posted 26 receptions for 307 yards in seven games this season, leading the Colts in receiving yards without scoring a touchdown. Along with Keenan Allen and tight end Tyler Warren, he has carried much of the passing-game workload while Alec Pierce recovers from an ankle injury.
Drafted in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of North Carolina, Downs has developed into a productive slot receiver. His 1,964 receiving yards from the slot since entering the league rank second in the NFL over that span, behind Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, according to CBS Sports Research.
His best season came in 2024, when he caught 72 passes for 803 yards and five touchdowns. In 54 career games, Downs has totaled 224 receptions, 2,447 receiving yards, and 11 touchdowns.
Los Angeles Rams and New England Patriots target Downs
Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams could seek to bolster their receiving options after a rough start to the season. At 3-4, they have become only the fifth outright preseason Super Bowl favorite in the past 50 seasons to hold a losing record after seven games. None of the previous four teams reached the Super Bowl.
Injuries have compounded their issues, with Davante Adams placed on injured reserve because of a hamstring injury. During the Week 7 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, Puka Nacua was the only Rams receiver to catch a pass besides Konata Mumpfield. Adding Downs could give Matthew Stafford another option as Sean McVay looks to improve the passing attack.
New England Patriots
A move to New England would reunite Downs with quarterback Drake Maye, his former college teammate at North Carolina. In 2022, Downs led the Tar Heels with 94 receptions for 1,029 yards and caught 11 of Maye’s 38 touchdown passes.
The Patriots are averaging 253.0 passing yards per game, but injuries and concerns about the availability of key receivers could push them to explore the market. Romeo Doubs is on injured reserve, while A.J. Brown has managed only three receptions in each of his three games this season after missing time with a high ankle sprain. Tight end Hunter Henry currently leads Maye’s targets, with 26 catches for 296 yards and two touchdowns.
The Atlanta Falcons and Kansas City Chiefs weigh options
Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta could consider adding another receiver as it pursues the NFC South title. Michael Penix Jr. has impressed since making his 2026 debut, becoming the fourth quarterback in Falcons history to throw for at least 200 yards and three touchdowns without an interception in consecutive games. The achievement came after Atlanta upset the previously undefeated San Francisco 49ers.
Drake London has been the team’s leading receiving threat, recording 38 catches for 616 yards and one touchdown in seven games. However, he has accounted for 29.4% of Atlanta’s passing targets. Free-agent signing Jahan Dotson has managed 12 receptions, while Zachariah Branch has recorded 10, leaving room for another option in the receiving corps.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs could also explore a move for Downs after injuries disrupted their receiving group. Rashee Rice is sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Tyquan Thornton is on injured reserve because of an ankle problem. Xavier Worthy has caught 24 passes for 217 yards and one touchdown, leaving the offense short of consistent production from its wide receivers.
Travis Kelce, now 37, remains Kansas City’s leading receiver, adding to the pressure to find another productive target for Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs’ need for offensive reinforcements was highlighted in their 20-3 defeat to the Seattle Seahawks, when they failed to produce an explosive play or reach the red zone.
The Las Vegas Raiders emerge as another Josh Downs landing spot
The Las Vegas Raiders are another potential destination, with their receiving depth offering a clear reason to consider a trade. Tre Tucker has produced 29 receptions for 474 yards and four touchdowns, but Cody White, Jalen Nailor, Jack Bech, and Dareke Young have each recorded fewer than 115 receiving yards through seven weeks.
Despite those limitations, the Raiders have maintained a top-four passing attack, with Brock Bowers, Ashton Jeanty, and Michael Mayer shouldering much of the responsibility. Downs could provide an immediate option for quarterback Kirk Cousins while offering the franchise an opportunity to secure a longer-term solution at wide receiver.
A trade could also give Downs the chance to negotiate an extension and remain with his next team beyond the current season. Las Vegas has struggled to add receivers through the draft, making an established player with Downs’ production an option worth considering as the deadline approaches.
With five potential landing spots offering different reasons to pursue him, Downs’ future is one to watch as Indianapolis continues its roster changes. His contract situation and experience as a productive slot receiver could make him an attractive target for teams seeking help in the passing game.