The Chiefs are hunting for receiver help, and Josh Downs has quickly surfaced as the name to watch.
Kansas City’s need is obvious. Rashee Rice hasn’t lived up to expectations, Xavier Worthy is banged up and underwhelming, and Tyquan Thornton is out for the season. Kenneth Walker III and Travis Kelce are still great, but the offense could use another wideout to steady the room.
That’s where Downs comes in. According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, the Indianapolis Colts receiver “would seem to be the favorite to head to Kansas City this season in a trade.” Breer added, “The Chiefs and Steelers have been the prime suitors for receivers, with the Niners still lingering on the periphery,” and said, “There was a belief from some teams over the weekend that Downs would be moved to Kansas City for a fourth-round pick.”
For a Chiefs team clearly working the market, that kind of buzz matters. Breer’s update makes Kansas City look like the frontrunner in the Downs sweepstakes.
Downs wouldn’t arrive as a headline-grabbing star, but he could still give this offense a real boost. He has 354 receiving yards and one touchdown on 33 catches with the Colts in 2026. Two years ago in 2024, he was far more productive, hauling in 72 of 107 targets for 803 yards and five touchdowns.
That’s the kind of profile that can fit nicely alongside Patrick Mahomes. In a stronger passing game, Downs could have a second-half surge with the Chiefs.
The Colts also have a reason to listen. Downs is set to become a free agent after the 2026 NFL season, which gives Indianapolis every incentive to move him if the price is right.
If that fourth-round pick is still enough to get it done, Kansas City may be sitting in the driver’s seat. And for a team trying to stay in the Super Bowl hunt, Downs would be a useful upgrade.
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