Josh Downs Requests Trade as Indianapolis Rebuilds

Downs seeks move after roster changes

Fourth year receiver Josh Downs has requested a trade from the Indianapolis Colts. The 25 year old wideout is currently in the final year of his rookie contract. When asked on Wednesday about his standing with the team, Downs said he was open to whatever comes his way and would go from there.

The receiver has dealt with extra defensive attention this season. With No. 1 wide receiver Alec Pierce out and quarterback Daniel Jones struggling with inconsistency, Downs often faces a second defender in his area. He has recorded 26 catches for 307 yards and zero touchdowns through seven games this season. His catch rate stands at a career low 56.5 percent of his targets.

Despite his request, Downs stated that he remains focused on the present. He explained that he is in the game plan for this weekend match against Jacksonville and needs to be ready to go.

Steichen addresses team changes

The Colts currently hold a 2-5 record and face ongoing changes across the organization. Just last week, the team fired longtime general manager Chris Ballard. On Tuesday, Indianapolis completed two major trades, sending guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the San Francisco 49ers.

Seattle acquired Nelson for a 2027 third round pick and a 2028 fifth round pick. San Francisco acquired Buckner for a 2027 fourth round pick. Head coach Shane Steichen admitted that losing key players hurts, but emphasized that it is part of playing in the NFL. When reporters asked if Nelson or Buckner had requested trades, Steichen declined to answer, stating he would keep that information private.

Taylor stays as trade deadline approaches

Speculation also surrounds star running back Jonathan Taylor, with multiple teams expressing interest in him. However, coach Steichen made it clear on Wednesday that Taylor has not requested a trade. When asked directly by reporters, Steichen answered no, adding that Taylor remains on the football team despite reports floating around.

The Colts are expected to operate under a cloud of uncertainty until the Nov. 10 trade deadline arrives.

What it means for the next game

Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL, Sun, 01 Nov): Jacksonville Jaguars win 79%, Indianapolis Colts win 21%; projected score Jacksonville Jaguars 28, Indianapolis Colts 19. Our safest pick: Jaguars to win.