Josh Downs trade rumors are heating up. The San Francisco 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Rams, and Pittsburgh Steelers all emerge as potential landing spots for the Indianapolis Colts wide receiver before the NFL trade deadline. According to NFL reporter Evan Sidery, the Chiefs and Steelers have already submitted trade offers for Downs, with a deal potentially coming after this weekend.
Downs has recorded 26 receptions for 307 yards and zero touchdowns this season. Indianapolis is reportedly seeking a third-round pick, although a fourth- or fifth-round selection could be a more realistic return.
Josh Downs Trade Rumors: Why Downs Is A Perfect Trade Target For The 49ers
At this point, it’s abundantly clear that the best move for the 49ers is Downs. San Francisco general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan eagerly want a WR that can separate. According to Fantasy Points Data, he has an average separation score of 0.071. This ranks third in the NFL, behind Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers and New York Jets WR Garrett Wilson.
Shanahan is amazing at scheming his guys open, but the great thing about Downs is that he gets open on his own against man and zone. Another thing is that Brock Purdy is one of the most accurate quarterbacks in the league. With tight end George Kittle, running back Christian McCaffrey, and (Mike Evans when he comes back), he’s going to get all the one-on-one matchups he wants.
Josh Downs Trade Rumors: Chiefs Eye Downs Trade To Give Patrick Mahomes Another Weapon
According to ESPN NFL Senior Reporter Jeremy Fowler, the Chiefs are preparing to make a move at the receiver position and are listing Downs as a potential candidate. Rashee Rice and Tyquan Thornton are both out due to injury, which makes them contenders for shopping for receivers.
Not only should the Chiefs trade for Downs, but they should make him a part of the future in Kansas City as well. He is a twitchy wide receiver who can really separate, and is one of the most underrated WRs in the game. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes would have another explosive weapon in Kansas City’s attack for years to come.
Josh Downs Trade Rumors: Steelers Could Target Downs To Bolster Aaron Rodgers’ Offense
Downs would be a massive addition to the Steelers’ offense because they desperately need help at wide receiver. Michael Pittman Jr., Roman Wilson, and Ben Skowronek have all been dealing with injuries. Right now, it’s essentially DK Metcalf, Germie Bernard, and not much else.
Now imagine adding Downs. Metcalf would be stretching the field vertically. Bernard creating separation with his precise route running. Downs giving Rodgers another talented, reliable target who can work underneath and across the middle.
Love the idea of Pittsburgh aggressively pursuing a receiver of Downs’ caliber before the trade deadline. With the way Aaron Rodgers is playing right now, adding another legitimate weapon could take this offense to another level.
Josh Downs Trade Rumors: Why Downs Could Solve The Rams’ Wide Receiver Problem
Downs would be a good fit for the Rams. Davante Adams is most likely going to miss the rest of the regular season. A WR2/WR3 is a massive need now, and he could fit that role.
He may not be a direct replacement for Adams, but he gives them what they need. He had a 75.3% success rate vs. man in 2025 and was fourth in first downs per route run on third and fourth down. He gives the Rams some speed, but more creativity underneath that they don’t have.
End Of My Josh Downs Trade Rumors Rant
He is just 25 years old and has 224 career catches, 2,447 receiving yards, and 11 touchdowns. His best season was in 2024 with 72 catches for 803 yards, and five TDs.
Downs is an intriguing option, and the cheapest through 2026. It’s the last year of his rookie contract, so there is that. He could probably be had for a fourth-round pick since Indy wants to move on. Plus, an extension wouldn’t break the bank.
