The Kansas City Chiefs have a new wide receiver on the roster after finalizing a trade with the Indianapolis Colts for Josh Downs. While it was a bit of a drawn-out process for Downs, who had requested a trade well before the deadline, it appears Indy did him a favor by sending him somewhere he wanted to play.
In Tuesday's segment on SportsCenter, Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported that the Chiefs were the 25-year-old wideout's preferred destination. It's also said that Kansas City has been searching for a wide receiver in the weeks leading up to the trade deadline before ultimately landing Downs.
“The Chiefs have been looking around for receiver help for really, the better part of the season,” Rapoport said… “We know that Brian Thomas Jr. from the Jaguars was a target for Kansas City… [The Chiefs] quickly pivoted to Josh Downs. Originally offered a fourth-round pick.
“Had to sweeten that deal a little bit to get it done,” Rapoport continued. “Ended up being a fourth and just a little bit more… They'd like to keep him beyond this year. So, maybe a little bit of a tryout for Downs. But, man! This is where he wanted to land, and this is the guy that KC ended up getting.”
From @SportsCenter: The #Chiefs landed WR Josh Downs. pic.twitter.com/8VYhWfEi9G
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 10, 2026
Josh Downs has flashed plenty of potential throughout his four-year career, but has yet to surpass the 100-yard mark once. He's played in nine games for the Colts before being traded to the Chiefs this season, totaling 33 receptions for 354 yards and a touchdown on 57 targets.
He'll have a chance to make an immediate impact for the Chiefs. Downs joins a wide receiver room consisting of Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, Jalen Royals, Andrew Armstrong, and Cyrus Allen.