Josh Downs Seeks Trade Amidst Colts’ Roster Changes

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs is reportedly seeking a trade. At 25, Downs did not refute these claims when talking to reporters, according to ESPN.

“I’m open to whatever. Whatever comes my way, comes my way and we go from there,” Downs shared with ESPN.

Downs’ request aligns with the Colts’ significant roster changes, including the recent trades of key players Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner.

The Colts dealt Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks for third- and fifth-round draft picks. Buckner went to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a fourth-round pick. These picks hold value as the Colts do not have their first-round pick next year, having traded it to the New York Jets for cornerback Sauce Gardner previously.

The franchise is in transition with a new general manager pending. The recent moves follow the firing of former GM Chris Ballard after a loss to the Minnesota Vikings. This indicates the Colts may be entering a rebuilding phase.

Josh Downs, drafted by Indianapolis in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of North Carolina, has played his entire four-year career with the team. In seven games this season, he has 26 receptions for 307 yards. Throughout his time with the Colts, Downs accumulated 224 receptions for 2,447 yards and scored 11 touchdowns.

In addition to his receiving role, Downs has also contributed as a punt returner, averaging 9.4 yards per return.

As the trade deadline of Nov. 10 approaches, Downs might find himself on a new team. If a trade does not happen, Downs is set to play against the Jacksonville Jaguars this Sunday at 1 p.m. ET, possibly his last game with Indianapolis.