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Josh Downs Trade Destinations: 3 Teams That Could Pursue the Colts WR
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs. © IMAGN
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs. © IMAGN

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs has requested to be traded after the franchise’s disappointing 2-5 start to the season. In seven games this season, Downs has 26 receptions for 307 yards, averaging 11.8 yards per catch. His longest reception was a 42-yard catch against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Colts have already traded guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the San Francisco 49ers. Downs is also expected to drive good interest on the open market.

Here are three teams that could pursue the receiver.

Top 3 Landing Spots For Josh Downs

1) Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs immediately became a prime landing spot as soon as it became known that Downs had requested to be traded.

The Chiefs, boasting a 5-1 record, have put themselves in the playoff conversation again after missing out last season. Acquiring Kenneth Walker III in the offseason has proven productive for their running game. Bolstering the receiving depth is therefore the top priority for Kansas City.

Patrick Mahomes could use Downs since they are already missing a couple of receivers. Tyquan Thornton has been sidelined for the season due to injury, and Rashee Rice has not played a game since suffering a hamstring injury in Week 4 against the Las Vegas Raiders.

2) New England Patriots

The Patriots (4-3) offer a more familiar destination for Downs.

He can reunite with his former quarterback, Drake Maye, from their North Carolina days, when they played together in 2022. That season, Downs recorded 94 receptions for 1,029 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Like the Chiefs, the Patriots have similar reasons to trade for Downs.

A.J. Brown only recently returned in the game against the New York Jets on Oct. 18 after sustaining a high ankle sprain in Week 1. Romeo Doubs injured his shoulder in Week 6 against the New York Jets and is currently on injured reserve. Finally, Mack Hollins suffered a calf injury against the Buffalo Bills earlier this month.

Keeping in mind the injuries in the receiver room, Downs could be well utilized.

3) Pittsburgh Steelers

Aaron Rodgers has sparked optimism after leading the team to a 5-2 record so far this season. They have a reason to be interested in any possible upgrade in offense.

Moreover, the Steelers have dealt with injuries at wide receiver and could use another reliable target like Downs.

ESPN’s Matt Bowen discussed why the Steelers should trade for the Colts receiver.

“Downs has the sudden footwork and coverage recognition to uncover between the numbers,” Bowen wrote. “In four pro seasons with the Colts, he has 224 receptions and 11 touchdowns. He fits a team looking for a high-percentage target to win underneath and move the chains.”

Only time can tell if Downs will get traded.

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