While they made a competitive effort, the Indianapolis Colts fell to 2-7 with Sunday’s 27-23 loss. If they weren’t completely confident in being sellers ahead of Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline, the Colts surely found conviction after their fifth consecutive loss. Considering the Colts are already without their first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft, interim general manager will likely continue placing a premium on adding to Indianapolis’ draft capital.

They’ve already gotten started by trading Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner. Others, like Josh Downs, could be next, and the Colts have just sent a message to the rest of the league about their 25-year-old receiver who’s on an expiring contract.

Indianapolis Colts Have Received Fourth-Round Pick Offer For Josh Downs Trade

While they’ve already traded Nelson and Buckner, the Colts likely aren’t done. Others who have drawn trade interest include Daniel Jones, Jonathan Taylor, and, of course, Downs. Though, unlike Jones and Taylor, Downs is on an expiring contract, making him more likely to be dealt. He’s also requested to be traded, and the Colts appear willing to play ball.

But what will it take to pry the third-year receiver out of Indianapolis?

According to ESPN, the Colts have already received a trade offer of a fourth-round pick for Downs, meaning any team that wants to add him to their roster will have to offer more.

“Indianapolis has told other teams that it has received an offer of a fourth-round pick for wide receiver Josh Downs, who requested to be traded in the final year of his contract. The Colts initially were asking for a third-round pick for Downs. But if they want, based on what they have told teams, a fourth-rounder is waiting for them.”

ESPN on Josh Downs Trade

Downs is a very attractive trade target for the number of teams looking to upgrade their receiving corps in anticipation of a playoff push. The 5-foot-9 receiver has never been a No. 1 receiver in the NFL, and chances are, he won’t ever be. Yet, Downs has never had a season with fewer than 566 yards, but also never more than 803.

Still, with 2,470 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns since entering the league as the 79th overall pick in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Downs has shown he can help a productive passing attack. Soon enough, he’ll likely get that opportunity again.