The 2026 NFL trade deadline arrives on November 10 at 4:00 PM ET, and the Indianapolis Colts are actively fielding interest in wide receiver Josh Downs. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the franchise has informed other teams that it has already received an offer consisting of a fourth-round pick for the 2024 second-round selection. This development marks a significant shift in the Colts’ roster strategy, positioning Downs as a prime candidate for an immediate move rather than a long-term cornerstone.
Indianapolis signals openness to move WR as NFL trade window opens.
Downs’ potential departure follows a period of internal friction, with reports indicating he requested a trade after the Colts traded defensive linemen Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner prior to Week 8. Despite these reports, Downs has maintained a professional demeanor while emphasizing his contractual obligations. Speaking to The Athletic’s James Boyd, Downs stated, “Like I said, this is the team that drafted me, and I’m on contract. So, I’m here right now and I gotta focus on that.” His comments suggest he is fulfilling his duties while awaiting a potential resolution to his situation.
As the deadline approaches, the market for Downs will likely intensify, with teams seeking depth at the skill position. The reported fourth-round pick valuation provides a baseline for negotiations, though the final package could fluctuate based on the urgency of the acquiring team. For the Colts, moving Downs could free up cap space or provide additional draft capital to address other roster needs, while for Downs, a trade could offer a fresh start and a clearer path to a starting role.
Source: Yahoo Sports
