Josh Downs might be running out of reasons to stay in Indianapolis. Of course, several playoff hopefuls have plenty of reasons to bring him aboard. The Colts are dismantling their roster ahead of the NFL trade deadline. Downs has reportedly requested a trade after watching key teammates head elsewhere. Downs is still young enough to become a long-term contributor. However, his expiring contract makes him an attractive short-term addition for contenders. Four teams stand out as particularly compelling destinations: the Pittsburgh Steelers, Los Angeles Rams, Kansas City Chiefs, and Detroit Lions.
Wasting Downs' opportunities
The Colts' 2026 season has spiraled into an unexpected rebuilding exercise. After opening with a 2-5 record, Indianapolis fired general manager Chris Ballard. They also traded Quenton Nelson to Seattle and DeForest Buckner to San Francisco. Downs has also reportedly requested a trade. He has told reporters that he is open to whatever comes his way. Downs remains Indianapolis' leading receiver through seven games. He has recorded 26 catches for 307 yards and has averaged 11.8 yards per reception. He has not scored a touchdown, though. Still, his ability to create separation underneath has made him a dependable option. Alec Pierce's extended absence with a heel injury has also allowed defenses to devote more attention to Downs. At 25, Downs should have plenty of productive football ahead of him. The question is whether Indianapolis can offer him a convincing reason to remain during a full-scale roster reset.
Here are the teams who should go after Downs.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh might be the most logical landing spot, particularly after its acquisition of former Colts teammate Michael Pittman Jr. Unfortunately, Pittman has landed on injured reserve and cannot return before November 15. That leaves the Steelers needing dependable receiving options.
Downs would immediately give Pittsburgh another reliable target underneath. His ability to uncover against zone coverage would complement the Steelers' other perimeter weapons. More importantly, his familiarity with Pittman could help the two establish chemistry quickly once the latter returns.
For Pittsburgh, Downs would represent a relatively affordable way to improve its passing attack without surrendering premium draft capital. His contract expires after the season. That makes him a potentially low-risk rental with the possibility of a longer partnership. If the Steelers want to make a serious postseason push, adding a dependable third-down receiver makes plenty of sense.
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams have perhaps the clearest immediate need for another pass catcher. Davante Adams is expected to miss six to 10 weeks with a hamstring injury. That leaves Matthew Stafford with fewer established options alongside Puka Nacua.
Downs could provide Sean McVay with exactly the type of inside receiver his offense can maximize. His short-area quickness would make him a natural fit for quick throws designed to create yards after the catch.
Pairing Downs with Nacua would also give defenses another difficult coverage decision. Opponents could not simply focus on Nacua without risking repeated completions underneath. Although McVay initially indicated that they were not exploring external receiver additions, Adams' extended absence can make a deadline move worth monitoring.
Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City is another attractive destination. Downs would give Patrick Mahomes a dependable underneath option. The Chiefs have explosive perimeter weapons in Xavier Worthy and Jalen Royals. However, adding a polished slot receiver could make their passing attack more difficult to defend.
Downs thrives in the areas where Mahomes can punish aggressive coverage. He be particularly valuable against man coverage. That would allow Kansas City to move the chains without relying exclusively on deep throws.
The Chiefs have also dealt with availability concerns in their receiving rotation, including Rashee Rice's absence. Downs could provide immediate insurance. A mid-round pick would be a reasonable investment for a team with legitimate championship aspirations.
Detroit Lions
Article Continues BelowDetroit might have the most intriguing long-term offensive fit. Amon-Ra St. Brown already commands significant attention. Still, adding Downs would allow the Lions to create multiple inside-receiver combinations. That could give Jared Goff another reliable option against pressure.
Jameson Williams provides vertical explosiveness. Meanwhile, Downs could handle underneath routes and work the middle of the field. That contrast would make Detroit's passing attack even more difficult to predict.
Sure, there is some redundancy with St. Brown. That can make Detroit a less obvious destination than Pittsburgh or Los Angeles. However, adding another proven separator would give the Lions valuable depth for a postseason run. Their current depth chart features limited established receiving options beyond St. Brown and Williams.
Fresh opportunity
Indianapolis may not be ready to move every remaining contributor. Downs' trade request, though, changes the conversation. Pittsburgh offers familiarity, and Los Angeles offers immediate opportunity. Kansas City offers championship potential, and Detroit offers an intriguing offensive partnership.
All four destinations could benefit from his skill set. That's particularly given his expiring contract and relatively modest acquisition cost. Downs has not been given an ideal environment to showcase his abilities in Indianapolis. A change of scenery could finally give him the opportunity to become the consistent offensive weapon he has shown he can be.