The NFL trade market is starting to pick up, and a new name has landed on the Los Angeles Chargers’ radar: Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that Downs has asked for a trade, putting a young pass-catcher into the mix for teams hunting for help on the outside and underneath. The situation could make him a player to watch for the Chargers as they look for ways to get more production out of their passing game.
Downs, 25, has already proven he can contribute at the NFL level, but his future with the Colts is now in question. If he winds up in a new spot, a fresh start could give him a chance to build on what he has shown so far.
He is listed at 5-foot-9, so he is not the biggest target on the field. But his value comes from the things that matter most when an offense needs easy separation: quickness, sharp route running and the ability to uncover in traffic. That kind of skill set can be a real difference-maker when an attack needs to sustain drives instead of living on deep shots.
For Justin Herbert, a receiver who can create space underneath would bring a useful layer to the offense.
Downs has also shown he can handle work from the slot, which gives an offense another answer on short and intermediate throws. That can help a quarterback avoid forcing passes into tight windows or waiting on longer routes to break open. It also gives Herbert a target who can help keep possessions moving.
There is also a broader fit to consider. A receiver with Downs’ style would give opposing defenses something else to account for in the middle of the field, which could create cleaner chances for teammates working outside. He would not have to be the centerpiece right away to make the offense harder to defend.
Of course, any move would come down to the asking price. Downs is in the final year of his rookie contract, so any team trading for him would have to think carefully about what comes next. Giving up draft capital for a player who could walk after the season is a real decision for a front office.
Even with that, there is a strong case for kicking the tires if the deal makes sense. Downs is young, already productive, and capable of filling a specific role without forcing a major overhaul.
There is no certainty that Indianapolis will actually move him, and no guarantee the Chargers will jump in if he becomes available. But with the trade deadline approaching, this is the kind of situation worth watching. If the price lines up, Downs could give Herbert another weapon and add a dimension this offense could use.
#Colts WR Josh Downs has received interest from multiple AFC teams, including the #Steelers, and while a deal is not considered likely this week, the expectation is a trade will eventually happen, per sources. pic.twitter.com/lZ5rH5YyIF
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