Chiefs Trade for Colts Wide Receiver Josh Downs

The Kansas City Chiefs acquired Josh Downs and a 2027 seventh-round pick from the Indianapolis Colts on Tuesday in exchange for 2027 fourth- and fifth-round selections.

The Kansas City Chiefs acquired wide receiver Josh Downs from the Indianapolis Colts on Tuesday, sending 2027 fourth- and fifth-round draft picks to Indianapolis. In return, the Chiefs received Downs and a 2027 seventh-round pick. This move follows a Week 2 performance where Downs led the Colts against Kansas City with seven catches for 72 yards on nine targets.

Kansas City sought roster reinforcements after Tyquan Thornton underwent surgery for a dislocated left ankle and third-year receiver Xavier Worthy sustained a left hamstring injury during a win over the New York Jets. In that victory, Patrick Mahomes averaged 2.8 air yards per attempt, marking the second-lowest mark of his career. ESPN reports that Mahomes has not completed a pass exceeding 20 air yards since a Week 4 win against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Downs, a 2023 third-round pick whose contract expires after this season, requested a trade prior to the deal. Through the current campaign, he has recorded 33 receptions on 56 targets for 354 yards and one touchdown. Despite a career-low 57.9% catch percentage this year, he averaged 66 catches and 713.3 yards over his first three seasons.

The Colts also traded receiver Keenan Allen to the San Francisco 49ers on Tuesday. With Alec Pierce’s return timeline unestablished, Indianapolis will rely on Laquon Treadwell, Ashton Dulin, rookie Deion Burks, and tight end Tyler Warren. The team also promoted Nick Westbrook-Ikhine from the practice squad. The Chiefs are scheduled to play the Atlanta Falcons this Sunday.