The Kansas City Chiefs acquired wide receiver Josh Downs from the Indianapolis Colts on Tuesday. They sent a 2027 fourth-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick to Indianapolis in exchange for Downs and a 2027 seventh-round pick.
The trade concludes Downs’ nearly four-year tenure in Indianapolis. The Colts continue a roster overhaul following a 2-7 start to the 2026 season.
The Chiefs sit at 6-2. They sought to reinforce their passing attack.
I am beyond grateful and blessed for my time in Indy. Nothing but love For the Shoe.
The team averages 117.5 yards per game at the receiver position. That stands as the lowest output in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Mahomes is 31. Travis Kelce is 37 and Chris Jones is 32. The front office prioritized adding a weapon capable of beating man coverage.
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Downs has accumulated 1,995 yards from the slot since entering the league. He is expected to serve as an “easy button” for Mahomes on critical downs.
I am beyond grateful and blessed for my time in Indy. Nothing but love for the [horse] Shoe.
Josh Downs, wide receiver
Patrick Mahomes responded to the news on social media with an image of an alarm clock. The Chiefs lost deep threat Tyquan Thornton to a season-ending ankle injury earlier in the campaign.
You’d hope they’d be familiar with the offense. If they’re not, they’ve got to be smart and be able to pick it up quickly. I’ve had players that have done that, done it well. But I would tell you there better be some form of an aptitude there — capacity — because you’re jumping in the middle of things.
Andy Reid, Kansas City Chiefs head coach
Indianapolis traded Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks for a 2027 third-round pick and a 2028 fifth-rounder. They sent Buckner to the San Francisco 49ers for a 2027 fourth-round selection.
Keenan Allen was moved to the 49ers for a sixth-round pick ahead of the Tuesday deadline. The Colts opted to retain star running back Jonathan Taylor despite significant trade interest.
The transaction increases Indianapolis draft capital for 2027 to 13 picks. The team lacks a first-round selection after trading it to the New York Jets in the previous season.
Downs leaves behind Laquon Treadwell, Ashton Dulin, and rookie Deion Burks. The team promoted veteran Nick Westbrook-Ikhine from the practice squad on Tuesday.
Trade! The Chiefs are acquiring WR Josh Downs and a 2027 seventh-round pick from the Colts for 2027 fourth-round and fifth-round picks, sources tell @ringer @netflixsports. Kansas City lands a receiver at the buzzer, while Indianapolis keeps loading up for the future. pic.twitter.com/ctYRKBME8w
Downs was relieved to see the matter concluded. His experience as a returner may provide value on Tuesday.
Earlier coverage: 49ers and Chiefs Acquire Keenan Allen and Josh Downs from Colts
More on Josh Downs
#NFL TRADE#Chiefs Acquire 2027 7th-Rd Pick WR Josh Downs 2026: $1.96M#Colts Acquire 2027 4th-Rd Pick 2027 5th-Rd Pick Indy takes on $2.2M of dead cap per the trade, picking up two mid-round picks for the expiring contract.
Trade: the Colts are trading wide receiver Josh Downs to the Chiefs, sources tell @rapsheet and me. pic.twitter.com/aeFPTfnUI2
BREAKING: Colts are trading WR Josh Downs to the Chiefs. Chiefs get: Downs and a 7th Colts get: 4th rounder and 5th rounder
