Report: Colts Receiver Josh Downs Requests Trade

Indianapolis Colts receiver Josh Downs has requested a trade, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported Wednesday, adding another potential move to a week in which Indianapolis has already traded two established veterans. No completed Downs trade has been announced.

The request follows the departures of guard Quenton Nelson to Seattle and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to San Francisco. Interim general manager Ed Dodds is running the front office after Chris Ballard’s dismissal, with Indianapolis having started the season 2–5.

According to NFL.com’s account of Fowler’s report, Downs has caught 26 of 46 targets for 307 yards through seven games. He has not scored a receiving touchdown this season. His yardage total leads the Colts.

Downs, 25, is playing on the final year of his rookie contract. That gives his situation a different timeline from a player with several seasons remaining under an existing agreement, while leaving Indianapolis with a decision about its receiving group.

The Steelers are among the AFC teams to have expressed interest, Jordan Schultz reported, according to Steelers Depot. Interest does not establish an agreement, a destination or the draft compensation that Indianapolis might receive.

Pittsburgh has dealt with injuries at receiver, including absences involving Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson. The Steelers’ reported inquiry therefore comes amid an identifiable need at the position, although it does not make them the confirmed landing spot.

Downs said he remains in Indianapolis’ current game plan for the upcoming Jacksonville matchup. His reported request and his preparation for that game can coexist while the Colts consider their options.

Indianapolis drafted Downs in the third round in 2023 after his college football career at North Carolina.

The NFL trade deadline is November 10 at 4 p.m. Eastern. TSP’s Nelson trade coverage details an already completed Indianapolis move; Downs’ situation remains a reported request.