The San Francisco 49ers have already strengthened their defensive line by reacquiring DeForest Buckner. Their next move should address a different weakness, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs. The 49ers should send Indianapolis a 2027 third-round pick for him before Tuesday's deadline.
The logic is that the Colts have told other teams they already hold an offer of at least a fourth-round pick for Downs, so a third-rounder is the cleanest way to beat that bid.
Buckner solved one problem, not all of them
Buckner's return cost San Francisco a 2027 fourth-round pick. It also gave the 49ers a Pro Bowl-caliber interior presence for a defense that is getting Nick Bosa back. After that deal, the 49ers still own six picks in the 2027 draft.
The receiver room is where the roster looks thinnest. Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel and Christian Kirk were all ruled out for the Raiders game. Evans has not played since Oct. 19 because of an Achilles problem, and Samuel has missed time with a hamstring strain. Kirk suffered a meniscus injury, and the team placed him on injured reserve.
The outlook for Evans is not encouraging eithe as he is “questionable at best” for Week 10 against Dallas. San Francisco still beat Las Vegas 38-17, but a championship push should not depend on Jordan Watkins and a rotating cast staying healthy.
Why Josh Downs fits Kyle Shanahan's offense
Downs is 25 and in the final year of his rookie contract. He has asked Indianapolis for a trade, and the Colts are in sell mode after dealing Quenton Nelson and Buckner. That makes him a realistic target.
His fit is the appeal. A slot receiver can win quickly on short and intermediate routes, which gives Brock Purdy another dependable target. He also helps whether or not Evans and Samuel return, because he adds depth instead of duplicating a role.
There are caveats. Downs was reportedly invisible in what could have been his final game in Indianapolis. San Francisco's medical staff should also check his health history before finalizing anything. Still, a one-year rental of a young receiver with an expiring contract carries limited long-term risk.
A third-round pick wins the bidding
The price is the key point. Reports say the Colts originally wanted a third-round pick for Downs. The 49ers shouldn't hope their fourth-round offer outlasts everyone else's. They should offer the third and end the competition.
That ending matters because the Colts have publicly signaled they are shopping the offer. Waiting gives another team time to improve its bid, and the 49ers have little time left.
Giving up a third-rounder is meaningful, but the 49ers keep their first- and second-round selections. They would also be paying at the Colts' original asking price. That is a reasonable cost for a receiver who could help immediately, and for a team with this much talent in a contending window.
Josh Downs is the one trade San Francisco should make. General manager John Lynch should call Indianapolis before another team improves its offer.