Colts Fielding Calls For WR Josh Downs

He had a good chance of getting his wish, as he’s one of the team’s top remaining trade candidates and is drawing notable interest ahead of the in-season trade deadline. 

Jordan Schultz reports the Steelers are one of multiple AFC teams that have shown interest. Both Pittsburgh and the Chiefs have been poking around the receiver market lately. 

Schultz says a deal isn’t considered likely this week, but the expectation is the Colts trade Downs before the deadline on November 10. 

Downs is in the final year of his rookie contract, and it’s unclear whether the Colts view him as a long-term piece. Even if they do, exploding receiver salaries could complicate their ability to extend him. 

Downs, 25, was a two-year starter at North Carolina and earned first-team All-ACC honors in 2021 and 2022. He declared for the 2023 NFL Draft after his junior season. 

The Colts drafted Downs in the third round with the No. 79 overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft. He’s in the final year of a four-year, $5,520,458 rookie contract that included a $1,014,879 signing bonus.

In 2026, Downs has appeared in seven games for the Colts and recorded 26 receptions on 46 targets for 307 yards (11.8 YPC) and no touchdowns.  

We’ll have more on Downs and the Colts ahead of the trade deadline as the news becomes available.