Josh Downs Requests Trade from Reeling Colts Amid Season Collapse
Wide receiver confirms openness to a move as the Colts continue to shed veteran players.
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs has requested a trade from the team, confirming reports that he is "open to whatever" comes his way as the Colts enter a period of significant player movement. Downs' comments came after ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported his request, adding to the growing list of veteran departures from the struggling franchise.
The Colts, who currently hold a 2-5 record, have already begun their sell-off of prominent players. General manager Chris Ballard was fired last week following a humiliating loss, and the team has since traded Pro Bowl guard Quenton Nelson to Seattle and Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the 49ers. These moves have been made to acquire draft picks, signaling a clear direction toward rebuilding.
Downs, a 25-year-old North Carolina product, was selected by the Colts in the third round of the 2023 draft. This season, he has been a target for quarterback Daniel Jones, but his production has not matched his opportunities, with no touchdowns across 26 receptions for 307 yards in five starts. This contrasts with his previous seasons, where he recorded five touchdowns in 2024 and four in 2025.
When asked about navigating trade rumors while focusing on his current responsibilities, Downs stated, "Just go day by day. I'm here right now. I'm where my feet are." He emphasized his immediate focus on the upcoming game against the Jaguars. "We got the Jags this weekend. I'm in the game plan so I gotta be ready to go."
The Colts are positioning themselves as potential sellers ahead of the NFL trade deadline on November 10. While Downs has reportedly garnered interest from multiple teams, he is not the most valuable asset on the Colts' roster. Three-time Pro Bowler Jonathan Taylor has also been the subject of trade speculation, with reported interest from the Packers, Seahawks, Broncos, and Vikings. Taylor's wife, Ayanna, has publicly questioned his future with the team following the recent trades.
The team's decision to trade Nelson and Buckner resulted in the acquisition of a 2027 third-round pick, a 2027 fourth-round pick, and a 2028 fifth-round pick. The Colts notably lack a first-round draft pick in 2027, a consequence of a previous trade made by Ballard that brought Sauce Gardner to the team. The team's struggles culminated in Ballard's dismissal after a loss to the then-winless Titans earlier this month.