Colts Receiver Josh Downs Asks for Trade as Team Moves Veterans

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs officially requested a trade on Wednesday morning, according to ESPN. Downs, 25, said he was open to whatever came his way and remained with the team while preparing for Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The request came one day after Indianapolis traded guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the San Francisco 49ers. Nelson was sent to Seattle for third- and fifth-round picks, while Buckner went to San Francisco for a fourth-round pick. General manager Chris Ballard had recently been fired, and Ed Dodds took over as interim general manager.

“I’m open to whatever. Whatever comes my way, comes my way and we go from there.”

Downs leads the Colts with 26 receptions for 307 yards through seven games and has not scored a touchdown. He is in the final year of his rookie contract and is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason. Across 54 career games, he has 224 receptions for 2,447 yards and 11 touchdowns.

The Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers have approached the Colts with offers that include draft picks, according to Evan Sidery. Indianapolis initially sought a third-round pick but may accept a fourth- or fifth-round selection. A deal could happen after the weekend, though the specific offers remain undisclosed.

Colts coach Shane Steichen said running back Jonathan Taylor has not requested a trade and remains on the team. Taylor is scheduled to speak with reporters on Thursday. Indianapolis entered Week 8 with a 2–5 record after losing three straight games, including a blown 13-point halftime lead to the previously winless Tennessee Titans.

The NFL trade deadline is Nov. 10. If both Taylor and Downs are dealt, it would signal a total overhaul and a full-scale rebuild heading into the offseason.