Kansas City Chiefs Must Trade for Josh Downs

Kansas City Chiefs Must Trade for Josh Downs

The Chiefs have a rare chance to add a young, reliable receiver without giving up much. Indianapolis has fully committed to rebuilding: it moved Quenton Nelson to Seattle and DeForest Buckner to San Francisco, and Downs looks like the next player out the door as the 2-5 Colts collect draft picks.

Because the Colts are short on premium picks, Kansas City holds the leverage. One trade model puts the cost at around $2.5M in cap space and a 2027 fourth-rounder, a price that’s easier to stomach since the Chiefs own an extra Rams third-round pick from the Trent McDuffie deal. For a mid-round pick, Kansas City gets a 25-year-old who can contribute right away.

TWSN’s Horace Shivers already broke this possibility down as well:

“Kansas City tops the list because its need aligns with reported interest in the receiver market. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that the Chiefs have been calling around for help. Downs could give Patrick Mahomes another dependable underneath option, helping sustain drives while reducing pressure on Travis Kelce. His arrival would also provide insurance against further receiver injuries.”

Downs also fills a clear need in Andy Reid’s offense. Travis Kelce is still Kansas City’s top option in nearly every receiving category, and Downs would give Patrick Mahomes a dependable short-area target for the playoff push. His quiet 2026 season shouldn’t scare anyone off. Alec Pierce has been sidelined on injured reserve since Week 2, and Daniel Jones has said opposing defenses are focusing their coverage on Downs. In Kansas City, he would be one weapon among many rather than the main target, which is the kind of change of scenery that could help him get back on track