The Kansas City Chiefs traded for Josh Downs at the buzzer before Tuesday’s trade deadline. The Indianapolis Colts gave up Downs and a 2027 seventh-round pick for a 2027 fourth-round and fifth-round pick. The Chiefs reportedly had offered a fourth-round pick over a week ago, but the Colts held out in hopes of a better offer. Will Downs unlock Kansas City’s passing game or are they still in trouble?
Chiefs Trade: Who Is Josh Downs?
Downs has 33 receptions for 354 yards and a touchdown, but with the way Indianapolis’ season has gone so far, it is hard to judge him based purely on this season. In his three seasons prior to 2026, Downs combined for 198 receptions, 2,140 yards, and 11 touchdowns. Rashee Rice had 1,797 yards and 14 touchdowns in that same time span, but only played 12 games in 2024 and 2025, and has already missed two games in 2026. Downs has stayed relatively healthy throughout his career, only missing three games in 2024.
The Chiefs did not trade for Downs just for depth. He has the potential to be the best receiver they have had on their roster since Tyreek Hill left. At 25 years old, Downs has plenty of room to grow and improve to eventually become a true number one receiver. Kansas City is currently bottom ten in targets to slot receivers, a position Downs has excelled in during his career. He has the potential to stretch the field and fill in for Tyquan Thornton, but the most valuable aspect of this trade is his availability and the positional need.
Is This Chiefs Trade Enough?
Wide receiver wasn’t the Chiefs’ only issue. The offensive line and defensive line have both struggled so far this season. A return by Josh Simmons could fix the offensive line, but the defensive line is dependent on how well the players play. They recorded five sacks against the New York Jets and have recorded four or more sacks in three different games. Kansas City also recorded zero sacks in four games. If the Chiefs’ pass rush can find some consistency, this issue can fix itself.
Kansas City still has holes, but so does every team. They have a knack for winning the Super Bowl despite glaring flaws, so this is nothing new. The return of DT Omar Norman-Lott can help bolster the defensive line, and CB Mansoor Delane should be back soon. Kicker is the only other position that is up in the air.
If Harrison Butker gets himself out of this slump, then the Chiefs should be primed to contend for another Super Bowl. If he doesn’t, then the team could be sent into kicker limbo. Justin Tucker hasn’t played well since 2024, so there is no good backup plan if Butker keeps missing kicks.
What Does This Mean For 2027 And Beyond?
Downs is a free agent after the 2026 season, along with Rashee Rice. Kansas City will have a decision to make regarding these two, and keeping both of them feels impossible with their cap situation. If Downs proves to be a true fix to the Chiefs’ passing game, then he should be signed to a long-term deal.
Rice has been good when healthy, but that has been few and far between. With Rice’s injury history and legal issues, he may be cheaper than Downs. Ideally, the team keeps both in the long term, but that is entirely dependent on how the rest of the season goes.
Andy Reid called Xavier Worthy “day-to-day” with his hamstring injury. This comes weeks after Rice also came back from a hamstring injury. Adding Downs was a necessary move, but it would have been strategically smart to trade for another receiver. Kansas City could have acquired a veteran like Hollywood Brown, who is familiar with the system and could slide right in if a player goes down.
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End Of My Kansas Chiefs Trade Rant
The Chiefs filled their biggest position of need after a strong 6-2 start to the season. If there is any doubt about this team’s status as a contender, this move proves they are truly dangerous. Whether or not Downs is a franchise receiver remains to be seen, but he will be a valuable piece for this team this year.
