NFL Trade Deadline Buzz: Chiefs Target Receivers as Josh Downs Requests Trade

The Kansas City Chiefs are exploring wide receiver additions following injuries to Rashee Rice and Tyquan Thornton, while Colts receiver Josh Downs requested a trade Wednesday.

Heading into Week 8 of the 2026 NFL season, the Kansas City Chiefs are expected to be aggressive in acquiring wide receiver help before the November 10 trade deadline. Injuries to Rashee Rice and Tyquan Thornton have left gaps in the passing game, leading to interest in Indianapolis Colts receiver Josh Downs and Cleveland Browns receiver Jerry Jeudy. Downs officially requested a trade on Wednesday morning. The Chiefs are also considering additions to their offensive line.

The Indianapolis Colts have already executed major trades, sending Pro Bowl guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the San Francisco 49ers. Running back Jonathan Taylor remains a potential trade candidate despite a recent extension; he is scheduled to earn $16.02 million next year, a figure that becomes fully guaranteed five days after the Super Bowl. Other Colts veterans with expiring contracts, including Laquon Treadwell, Keenan Allen, and Grover Stewart, are also being monitored by league sources.

In Jacksonville, wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. is viewed as a likely trade candidate after failing to record a catch in his last two games and being benched during the Week 6 game in London. Meanwhile, the first-place Cleveland Browns sit at 5-2, led by a resurgent Deshaun Watson, though Watson currently ranks 27th in the league in QBR. The Browns are reportedly seeking defensive line depth and a versatile blocker at tight end or H-back to bolster their surprise run.

Regarding the New York Jets, head coach Aaron Glenn faces scrutiny as the team holds a 2-5 record. A significant statistical struggle defines his tenure, as the Jets have been outscored 107-6 in the final two minutes of the second quarter under his leadership. While ownership may remain patient with Glenn, the offense currently ranks 27th in the NFL, contributing to frustration from wide receiver Garrett Wilson.