Schefter said there’s still a reasonable chance Downs is traded before the November 10 deadline, and teams have reportedly balked at the asking price.
Recent receiver trades have brought back later picks, with Rashid Shaheed going for a fourth- and fifth-round pick and Jakobi Meyers for a fourth and a sixth.
The Trade Request And The Interest
It was reported Wednesday that Downs is requesting a trade from Indianapolis, and Downs said, “I’m open to whatever.”
Jordan Schultz reported that Downs has received interest from multiple AFC teams, including the Steelers, and that a deal isn’t considered likely this week but the expectation is a trade will eventually happen.
The Chiefs and Steelers have both offered Day 3 draft compensation to the Colts for Josh Downs. After requesting a trade this week, a Downs deal is expected to go down after this weekend. Indianapolis will likely fetch a 4th or 5th-round pick for Downs after originally seeking a 3rd.
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) October 29, 2026
Pittsburgh has played without Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson, and Kansas City has been calling around for receiver help, with insider Jeremy Fowler naming Downs as a name to watch for teams needing one.
Why The Price Is Steep
The Colts sold Quenton Nelson to Seattle on Tuesday for a 2027 third-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick, and sent DeForest Buckner to San Francisco for a 2027 fourth-round pick.
Indianapolis doesn’t have a first-round pick in 2027, which is why the Colts are collecting picks.
Downs is 25, he was a third-round pick in 2023, and is in the final year of a four-year, $5.52 million rookie contract, which means he’s set to become a free agent in March.
WR Josh Downs has formally requested a trade, per @JFowlerESPN
— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) October 28, 2026
He has 26 catches on 46 targets for a team-high 307 yards and no touchdowns in seven games, after averaging about 66 catches, 714 yards, and four touchdowns a year over his first three seasons.
Jonathan Taylor hasn’t requested a trade yet, according to head coach Shane Steichen, and Indianapolis is preparing to play Jacksonville on Sunday.
