Josh Downs requests trade from Colts as season crumbles
Wide receiver Josh Downs requests a trade from the 2-5 Colts, who have already fired their GM and traded two Pro Bowlers.
Josh Downs did not turn down the exit door. The wide receiver confirmed Wednesday he requested a trade from the Indianapolis Colts, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler [2]. With the team reeling at 2-5 and their general manager gone, Downs said he is “open to whatever” regarding his future [1].
The 25-year-old is in the final year of his rookie contract and has reportedly found interest from multiple teams [2]. His request comes just days after the Colts fired GM Chris Ballard and traded away key veterans Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner to Seattle and San Francisco, respectively [1].
Downs has struggled this season, recording 26 receptions for 307 yards and no touchdowns in five starts [1]. He has faced increased defensive attention due to the absence of Alec Pierce and quarterback Daniel Jones’ inconsistency, resulting in a career-low catch rate of 56.5%, the ESPN report noted [2].
Despite the turmoil, Downs insisted he is focused on the upcoming game against the Jaguars. “I’m here right now. I’m where my feet are,” he told reporters [1]. “We got the Jags this weekend. I’m in the game plan so I gotta be ready to go.”
While Downs has made his move, star running back Jonathan Taylor has not requested a trade, Colts coach Shane Steichen said Wednesday [2]. Steichen dismissed rumors about Taylor as “hypothetical,” stating, “JT’s on our football team”. However, sources indicate Taylor has attracted interest from the Packers, Seahawks, Broncos, and Vikings [1].
The Colts’ rebuilding phase is well underway. On Tuesday, they dealt eight-time Pro Bowler Quenton Nelson to the Seahawks in exchange for a third-round selection in 2027 and a fifth-round selection in 2028, while sending DeForest Buckner to the 49ers for a 2027 fourth-round pick [2]. These moves followed Ballard’s firing after a loss to the winless Titans [1].
The team lacks a first-round pick in 2027, a consequence of Ballard’s previous acquisition of Sauce Gardner [1]. With the NFL trade deadline approaching on Nov. 10, Indianapolis remains a likely seller, though Taylor’s status remains the central question [2].
Steichen acknowledged the difficulty of losing key players, noting, “Anytime you lose guys like that, it hurts,” but emphasized that this reality is part of the NFL [2]. For Downs, the uncertainty is simply business. “It is what it is at the end of the day,” he said [1].
Sources
This article is based on reporting by the outlets below.
- New York Post: Josh Downs requests trade from reeling Colts as season crumbles
- ESPN: Source: Colts WR Downs requests trade; RB Taylor hasn't, per Steichen
