Colts Wide Receiver Josh Downs Reportedly Requests Trade Amid Team Overhaul
The second-year player's request follows significant roster moves by the Indianapolis Colts, including the trading of veteran players Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner.
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs has reportedly requested a trade from the team, according to ESPN. Downs, 25, did not deny the report when addressed by reporters, stating, "I’m open to whatever. Whatever comes my way, comes my way and we go from there."
The reported trade request comes amidst a significant roster overhaul for the Colts. The team recently traded two key players, guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the San Francisco 49ers. These moves occurred after the firing of general manager Chris Ballard last week.
Following a loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, the Colts appear to be entering a rebuilding phase. The trade of Nelson reportedly yielded third- and fifth-round draft picks, while Buckner was sent to San Francisco for a fourth-round pick. Indianapolis notably lacks its own first-round selection in the upcoming draft, having traded it to the New York Jets last year for cornerback Sauce Gardner.
Downs, in his second NFL season, has played his entire career with the Colts since being selected in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of North Carolina. This season, he has recorded 26 receptions for 307 yards in seven games. Over his career with the Colts, Downs has amassed 224 receptions for 2,447 yards and 11 touchdowns. He has also contributed as a punt returner, averaging 9.4 yards per return.
The NFL trade deadline is November 10th. If the Colts honor Downs' reported request, his upcoming game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday could be his final appearance with the team.