Josh Downs may become the latest Indianapolis Colts player to depart as the organization keeps parting ways with important contributors before the NFL trade deadline. With the wide receiver reportedly seeking a move, multiple teams might explore a deal for the 24-year-old.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that Downs has requested to leave Indianapolis and has drawn interest from several teams. The receiver is in the final year of his rookie contract, which makes his situation especially significant as the Colts continue reshaping their roster.
Speaking with reporters on Wednesday, Downs stayed measured regarding 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.”
Downs’ trade request comes amid Colts roster overhaul
Indianapolis has already made major moves this week, dealing offensive guard Quenton Nelson and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner after dismissing 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 remain unclear.
Downs has posted 26 catches for 307 yards across seven games this season, leading the Colts in receiving yardage without a touchdown. Along with Keenan Allen and tight end Tyler Warren, he has shouldered 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 reliable slot receiver. His 1,964 receiving yards from the slot since joining the league rank second in the NFL over that span, trailing only Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, according to CBS Sports Research.
His best season arrived in 2024, when he recorded 72 receptions for 803 yards and five touchdowns. Over 54 career games, Downs has totaled 224 catches, 2,447 receiving yards, and 11 touchdowns.
Los Angeles Rams and New England Patriots show interest in Downs
Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams might seek to reinforce their receiving corps 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 due to 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 provide Matthew Stafford with another target as Sean McVay aims to boost 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 average 253.0 passing yards per game, but injuries and uncertainty about key receivers could prompt 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.
Atlanta Falcons and Kansas City Chiefs evaluate options
Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta might consider adding another receiver as it pursues the NFC South title. Michael Penix Jr. has impressed since 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 feat came after Atlanta upset the previously undefeated San Francisco 49ers.
Drake London has been the team’s top 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 addition 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 pursue Downs after injuries disrupted their receiving group. Rashee Rice is sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Tyquan Thornton is on injured reserve due to 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, increasing the pressure to find another productive target for Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs’ need for offensive reinforcements was evident in their 20-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, when they failed to generate an explosive play or reach the red zone.
Las Vegas Raiders emerge as another possible landing spot for Josh Downs
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 carrying much of the responsibility. Downs could provide an immediate option for quarterback Kirk Cousins while giving the franchise a chance to secure a longer-term solution at wide receiver.
A trade could also give Downs the opportunity 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 nears.
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 appealing target for teams seeking help in the passing game.