Josh Downs Requests Trade from Colts Amidst Team's Fire Sale
Wide receiver seeks move as Indianapolis continues to trade away veteran players.
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs has reportedly requested a trade from the team as they continue a significant player sell-off before the November 10 NFL trade deadline.
The Colts have already moved offensive lineman Quentin Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks and pass rusher DeForest Buckner back to the San Francisco 49ers. These departures, coupled with the team's struggling season and quarterback Daniel Jones's performance, have led to Downs's decision.
Downs, who is in the midst of the best statistical start to his career with 26 catches for 307 yards, has not yet scored a touchdown this season. He is currently in the final year of his rookie contract and has not signed an extension.
ESPN NFL insider Ian Rapoport stated on The Pat McAfee Show that trade talks involving Downs have been ongoing, with teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers reportedly expressing interest. Rapoport believes a trade is likely, contingent on the receiving teams meeting the Colts' asking price.
The team's current strategy has also raised concerns for the family of star running back Jonathan Taylor. Taylor, a cornerstone of the Colts franchise, has an opt-out clause in his contract this season, making him a potential trade candidate as well. His wife, Ayanna, expressed her unease on TikTok, questioning player safety and hinting at the possibility of needing to pack their bags amidst the team's restructuring.
"Is literally anybody safe on this team?" she asked in a video, referencing the departures of Nelson and Buckner. "I've never known the Colts organization without these people and it kind of feels like rookie year all over again. So, naturally, my mind is spiraling. Is this the start of the trade frenzy? What does this mean for my husband and I? Do I need to start packing our bags? Are we going to be spending our daughter's first Halloween together? Will we make it to game day, or was last week the last time my husband is putting on a Colts jersey?"
Downs's potential departure and the uncertainty surrounding Taylor highlight a period of significant transition for the Indianapolis Colts as they appear to be rebuilding for the future.