The NFL trade deadline has a funny way of turning players who weren't expected to be available into some of the most intriguing names on the market.
Josh Downs could become one of them.
The former UNC football standout has become a reliable weapon since entering the NFL, making a quarterback's life much easier. Downs isn't the biggest receiver on the field, nor is he the prototypical outside deep threat that typically dominates trade deadline conversations. Still, he brings other elements to the table that make him an intriguing option for contending teams to add to their roster.
Downs wins with his route running, quickness, and ability to create separation, especially out of the slot. Put him in the right offense, and you give a quarterback another dependable option who can move the chains and make an immediate impact.
Of course, there's no guarantee that the Indianapolis Colts have any interest in moving Downs.
At just 25, there's a legitimate argument that Indianapolis should try to keep him around for whatever comes next. However, with Downs nearing free agency and the Colts potentially able to add draft capital, opposing general managers should at least make the call.
If Indianapolis is willing to listen, these six teams make plenty of sense.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Of all the potential landing spots for Downs, Pittsburgh might make the most sense.
The Steelers could use another dependable option in the passing game, especially one who doesn't need to fill the same role as DK Metcalf. That's where Downs becomes such an intriguing fit.
Rather than making him the focal point of the offense, Pittsburgh could let Downs operate primarily out of the slot, where his ability to separate quickly would give the Steelers another reliable option on third down and in the intermediate passing game.
Downs would be a great fit alongside Aaron Rodgers, a quarterback who thrives when he's able to get rid of the football quickly. A dynamic playmaker like Downs would help make life a lot easier for Rodgers in what is expected to be his final season in the NFL.
Los Angeles Rams
Josh Downs in a Sean McVay offense?
Yeah, that could be fun.
McVay has consistently found ways to maximize receivers who understand how to find space, create separation, and make themselves available to their quarterback. Those are areas where Downs has already proven capable of thriving at the NFL level.
With Davante Adams sidelined for an extended period due to injury, and with other injuries plaguing the wide receiver room, Downs could become another chess piece for McVay to move around the formation, creating favorable matchups and giving the Rams another weapon as they prepare for a potential postseason run.
Of every team on this list, the Rams might be one of the most entertaining destinations simply because of how creative McVay could get with him.
Kansas City Chiefs
Come on, we'd all love to see this!
Patrick Mahomes throwing to Josh Downs would be an incredibly intriguing combination, especially given Downs' effectiveness working underneath and finding openings in a defense.
Kansas City doesn't necessarily need another superstar receiver. What the Chiefs could use is another player Mahomes can trust to get open when he needs somewhere to go with the football.
Downs fits that description.
His quickness and route-running ability could make him dangerous within Andy Reid's offense, while Mahomes' ability to extend plays could create even more opportunities for Downs to shake free once the original play breaks down.
If the Chiefs are looking for another weapon without making a massive splash, Downs should absolutely be on their radar.
Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen simply needs another wide receiver who can get open. Downs certainly fits that description.
When Allen extends plays or needs to get the football out quickly, having a receiver with Downs' ability to separate could become extremely valuable. He could work underneath, operate out of the slot, and give Allen another dependable option when defenses devote additional attention elsewhere.
If the Bills believe one more reliable pass-catcher could make their offense more dangerous when January rolls around, Downs would be a worthwhile addition to explore.
Let's face it: their Super Bowl window is right here in the present. Expect Buffalo to be aggressive at the trade deadline as they look to improve their roster for the second half of the 2026 season.
Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota would provide Downs with something every receiver would love to have:
Space.
With defenses already having to account for the other weapons within the Vikings' offense (you've heard of Justin Jefferson, right?), Downs wouldn't routinely be asked to defeat the opponent's best coverage or carry the passing attack himself.
Instead, he could attack favorable matchups from the slot.
That's where this potential pairing becomes particularly appealing. Downs has already shown he can consistently create separation, and putting him in an offense where defenses have plenty to worry about could make him even more effective.
It might not be the flashiest trade of the deadline, but it could end up being a sneaky good fit for the former Tar Heel.
New England Patriots
This one is a little different from the others.
How about a Drake Maye/Josh Downs reunion!
Sure, Downs is a free agent after the season, but why not give Maye a familiar target to work with? Who knows, it could become a long-term pairing.
Adding a receiver who consistently gets open would give the Patriots another dependable piece in the passing game. It could help Downs establish himself as a key part of the offense.
The most important thing is this: Maye and Downs won't need time to build chemistry; they need to shake the rust off, given it's been a few years since they've played together at North Carolina.
If New England is willing to acquire Downs and explore keeping him beyond this season, though, the Patriots make plenty of sense as a potential destination.
The Colts shouldn't be eager to trade Josh Downs, but teams should still be calling
There's an important distinction to make here: Indianapolis doesn't need to trade Josh Downs.
In fact, given his age and what he's already accomplished in the NFL, there's a strong argument for the Colts to focus on keeping him rather than searching for ways to move him.
However, with the organization going through a general manager change, and the lack of draft capital that they currently possess, it could force their hand to go into a full rebuild mode over the next few weeks.
If they decide to be heavy sellers, the market for Downs will certainly be there, and the teams listed above would make a lot of sense to acquire him.
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