Colts Trade WR Josh Downs to Chiefs Ahead of 2026 NFL Deadline

On November 10, 2026, the Indianapolis Colts confirmed the trade of wide receiver Josh Downs to the Kansas City Chiefs just before the NFL trade deadline. This move was part of a broader roster shakeup that saw the Colts trade several key players earlier in the day.

The deal sent fourth- and fifth-round picks in the 2027 draft from Kansas City to Indianapolis, while the Colts received a 2027 seventh-round pick in return. This exchange reflects the Chiefs' interest in bolstering their receiver depth amid injuries and the Colts' willingness to capitalize on Downs' trade value before his contract year.

Downs, a third-round pick from North Carolina in 2023, had developed into a reliable secondary target during his time in Indianapolis. After posting a career-high 803 receiving yards and five touchdowns in 14 games in 2024, his role became uncertain following the Colts' decision to extend teammate Alec Pierce and trade Michael Pittman. These roster moves left Downs in a challenging position entering the 2026 season.

Despite initially resisting a trade request, Downs resumed participation in team activities after discussions with coach Shane Steichen. However, after two games in the 2026 season, the Colts opted to move him to maximize return ahead of free agency. The trade also addressed the Chiefs' need for receiver support following Xavier Worthy's hamstring injury, providing Patrick Mahomes with an additional offensive weapon.

This transaction underscores the Colts' ongoing roster restructuring during the 2026 season, reflecting a strategic shift as the team balances immediate competitiveness with future assets. Josh Downs' departure to Kansas City marks a significant change in the Colts' receiving corps and adds depth to the Chiefs' offense for the remainder of the season.