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Former Tar Heel Josh Downs finds a new NFL home with the Kansas City Chiefs

After requesting a trade, Downs is now set to join a legitimate playoff contender.
ByNick Delahanty
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Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (2) high-fives Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Ashton Dulin (16) on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, ahead of the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (2) high-fives Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Ashton Dulin (16) on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, ahead of the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Josh Downs got his wish.

Just prior to the NFL Trade Deadline, the former Tar Heel's request for a trade from the Indianapolis Colts was granted.

His next stop brings him to Kansas City, where he'll team up with one of the greatest quarterbacks of all-time.

Josh Downs traded to the Kansas City Chiefs

The former Tar Heel was sent to the Chiefs along with a seventh round pick in exchange for a fourth and fifth round pick. Downs gets a fresh start as he finishes out his rookie deal while the Colts get some draft capital to help their rebuilding process.

The Chiefs have been actively seeking help at the wide receiver position, as Patrick Mahomes' options to throw the football to left room for desire. Other than Travis Kelce, who is still a very good player but is aging, and Xavier Worthy, Kansas City has yet to find capable pass catchers to help take the burden off Mahomes' shoulders.

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Insert Downs, who ideally is a tremendous fit with the Chiefs organization.

Before Downs requested a trade, we identified Kansas City as a team that made a lot of sense to trade for him. On an expiring contract, Downs can showcase his talents on football's biggest stage, joining a team with every intention of playing into February.

After the trade, not only did Downs post on social media (ironically a GIF of fellow former Tar Heel Vince Carter) to express his happiness about the move, but his new quarterback also chimed in.

Alex Kennedy of Pro Football Network raved about the trade, citing the type of impact Downs can have on Kansas City's inconsistent wide receiver room:

“I love this move for the Chiefs. Josh Downs is super reliable and gives Patrick Mahomes another weapon. Rashee Rice is inconsistent, Xavier Worthy is unreliable, and Tyquan Thornton is on IR. While I would’ve loved to see Kansas City land a Brian Thomas Jr. or George Pickens, those guys aren’t going anywhere. Pivoting to a sure-handed 25-year-old makes a lot of sense, and they didn’t have to overpay to land him.”

Even though his numbers are down this season (largely due to inconsistent quarterback play), Downs is still a young wide receiver with a ton of upside. Now, the Chiefs hope that Downs can be the guy UNC fans enjoyed watching during his time in Chapel Hill- a reliable target with big play ability who can help take Kansas City's offense to another level.

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