Why Chiefs are reportedly trading two picks for Colts WR Josh Downs originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Kansas City Chiefs came into NFL trade deadline day with one very simple goal: acquire a wide receiver to help the offense.
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While Keenan Allen was dealt to the San Francisco 49ers, there was a different wide receiver from the Indianapolis Colts that they’ve had their eye on. Finally, with under half an hour to go, they made their move.
According to Tom Pelissero of The Ringer, the Chiefs are making a move for Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs. In exchange for a pair of picks, the Chiefs are getting a new WR for Patrick Mahomes.
“Trade! The Chiefs are acquiring WR Josh Downs and a 2027 seventh-round pick from the Colts for a 2027 fourth-round and fifth-round picks, sources tell @ringer @netflixsports,” Pelissero reports.
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Downs is a rental wide receiver for the Chiefs who instantly provides another solid weapon in the passing game for this offense.
He’ll join Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy in Kansas City, with running back Kenneth Walker III and tight end Travis Kelce making up a strong offensive supporting cast for Mahomes.
The Chiefs are making this trade thanks in large part to Tyquan Thornton’s season-ending injury. Add in that Worthy is banged up and has been underwhelming, and a WR addition was a must-have for this team.
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A fourth-rounder and a fifth-rounder are a lot to give up for Downs for half a season and a seventh-round pick, but considering their major WR need and the other available options, this is a reasonable move for the Chiefs.
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Kansas City desperately needed WR help, and Downs might be the best WR traded in the middle of the 2026 season. Marvin Harrison Jr. went for a second-round pick and hasn’t been great for the Houston Texans.
The Chiefs, meanwhile, take a chance on Downs, who was having a down season with the Colts and their struggling offense.
This move shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone, as the Chiefs were strongly implied as the favorites, and now, they’re reportedly adding him in a huge move at the trade deadline.
