The Kansas City Chiefs made a huge addition to their offense ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline, acquiring wide receiver Josh Downs from the Indianapolis Colts. As part of the trade, Kansas City will send Indianapolis fourth- and fifth-round picks in the 2027 NFL Draft and receive a seventh-round selection in return.

Downs’ arrival gives Patrick Mahomes another dependable target in the passing game, and Travis Kelce has already made it clear he is excited about the newest Chief.

Travis Kelce Explains Why Josh Downs Can Transform Chiefs’ Offense

Downs arrived in Kansas City after spending his first three full NFL seasons and the first nine games of 2026 with Indianapolis, which selected him in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Through Week 9 of this season, he has 33 receptions for 354 yards and one touchdown, ranking No. 37 with a PFN WR Impact Score of 74.2.

Before this year, Downs was a consistent contributor, appearing in at least 14 games in each of his first three seasons. He also recorded at least 55 receptions and 550 receiving yards in all three years with the Colts.

Speaking on the “New Heights” podcast, Kelce could not hide his excitement about the move.

“We got another wide receiver, another weapon in the building… got some more arsenal for Andy Reid to go out there and use. It’s going to be so much fun getting another guy in the building,” Kelce said on Wednesday.

Kansas City saw firsthand how effective Downs can be earlier this season. In the Week 2 game between the Colts and Chiefs, he finished with seven receptions for 72 yards.

Downs has several qualities that could benefit the Chiefs, especially his ability to create separation and make plays against man coverage. Kelce specifically highlighted that aspect of Downs’ game.

“The guy is one… like the biggest thing you said… man-to-man coverage,” Kelce told his brother, Jason.

“That’s going to come up more than you think down the line. When things get tight in the NFL, man coverage is what defensive coordinators go to. When you got a guy that you can trust in those kinds of situations. And on top of that, I feel like in the middle of the field, he feels the zone coverages and the defensive voids.”

Kelce then explained what else Downs brings to the table, from his speed to the extra attention he will pull from opposing defenses.

“He’s very good at all of that. Just to get another fast guy, another focal point for the defense to have to worry about in terms of the run game and having to relate the right way and things like that. It 100% made our offense better. And I can’t wait to get him in the building and get him acclimated to the Chiefs’ offense.”

Downs is entering the final stretch of his rookie contract. That makes the trade a key opportunity for both him and the Chiefs to determine whether he can become a long-term piece of their offense.