Josh Downs Requests Trade From Rebuilding Colts

Indianapolis Colts receiver Josh Downs has asked to be traded, according to sources familiar with the situation.

Downs, 25, enters the final year of his rookie contract and his fourth season in the National Football League. The request comes as the team continues a rebuilding process that has left the roster in flux. Several other teams have expressed interest in acquiring the wideout, though no agreement has been reached.

The Colts completed two major veteran transactions on Tuesday. Guard Quenton Nelson was sent to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for a 2027 third-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick. Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner went to the San Francisco 49ers for a 2027 fourth-round pick. These moves follow the dismissal of longtime general manager Chris Ballard one week prior.

Downs addressed the uncertainty on Wednesday. He told reporters he is open to any future direction. "I'm open to whatever. Whatever comes my way, come my way and we go from there," he said. He emphasized his current commitment to the team ahead of a weekend matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. "I'm here right now. I'm where my feet are," he added.

Coach Shane Steichen provided context on the running back Jonathan Taylor, noting that Taylor has not requested a move. "Those are hypothetical things right now," Steichen said. "I know there's stuff floating around out there, but JT's on our football team." Steichen declined to confirm whether Buckner or Nelson asked to be traded, stating he would keep that information private.

Downs has struggled during the current campaign. He has recorded 26 receptions for 307 yards and no touchdowns. His catch rate stands at 56.5 percent of targets, a career low. Defenses have focused extra attention on him with top wideout Alec Pierce absent. Quarterback Daniel Jones has faced consistency issues, and the lack of other reliable receiving options often forces Downs to play against double coverage.

The Colts currently hold a 2-5 record. The team faces the Jacksonville Jaguars this weekend while operating under the trade deadline set for November 10. Steichen urged players to remain focused despite the roster changes. "Anytime you lose guys like that, it hurts," he said. "But that's the NFL and that's the hard part about it. That's what we signed up for."