Josh Downs Reacts to Trade From Struggling Colts to Chiefs
WHO:
Pro Football Network - Travis Kelce praised Josh Downs’ ability against man coverage after Kansas City acquired him.
Pro Football Network - NFL analyst Jordan Rodgers discussed how Josh Downs’ arrival could help Xavier Worthy return to a role better suited to Worthy’s strengths.
chiefs.com - The Athletic’s Dane Brugler ranked Downs the No. 6 wide receiver in his draft class and projected him as a second-round pick.
chiefs.com - The Kansas City Chiefs acquired wide receiver Josh Downs from the Indianapolis Colts; Downs is 25 and was selected 79th overall in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, the 12th wide receiver selected that year.
Fox News - Downs requested a trade after the Colts traded Pro Bowl offensive lineman Quenton Nelson and All-Pro defensive tackle DeForest Buckner.
Fox News - Downs thanked the Colts in a post on X: “I am beyond grateful and blessed for my time in Indy. Nothing but love For the Shoe.”
chiefs.com - Downs played college football at the University of North Carolina. His younger brother, Caleb Downs, was the 11th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft; his uncle, Dre’ Bly, played 11 years in the NFL.
WHAT:
Fox News - Fox News reported Downs’ Colts career totals as 224 receptions, 2,447 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns in 54 games, differing from the totals reported by chiefs.com.
Fox News - Downs appeared at Chiefs practice and media availability at the University of Kansas Hospital Arrowhead Training Complex.
chiefs.com - Downs is 5-foot-9 and weighs 171 pounds.
chiefs.com - Brugler described Downs as a “dynamic athlete with above-average agility” and praised his route-running, acceleration control, instincts, and ability to find openings in defenses.
Fox News - Downs was the fourth player Indianapolis traded before the deadline, after Quenton Nelson, DeForest Buckner and Keenan Allen.
Fox News - Rashee Rice led Kansas City’s wide receivers with 292 receiving yards this season.
Heavy NFL - The Chiefs’ release of Nikko Remigio may indicate Downs could handle kick and punt returns.
Fox News - The Colts traded Downs and a 2027 seventh-round pick to the Chiefs in exchange for 2027 fourth- and fifth-round picks.
Fox News - Downs posted a GIF of Vince Carter celebrating at his retirement ceremony to express excitement about the trade.
chiefs.com - In nine games this season, Downs caught 33 passes for 354 yards and one touchdown. The Chiefs article reports 231 catches, 2,494 yards and 12 touchdowns over his Colts career; Fox News reports 224 catches, 2,447 yards and 11 touchdowns in 54 career games.
chiefs.com - Downs appeared in at least 14 games in each of the previous three seasons and recorded at least 55 catches and 550 receiving yards in each. His 2024 totals were 72 catches, 803 yards and five touchdowns.
chiefs.com - Against the Chiefs in Week 2, Downs caught seven passes for 72 yards; six receptions produced first downs.
chiefs.com - Fantasy Points Data ranked Downs third among NFL wide receivers in separation score this season, behind Garrett Wilson and Zay Flowers. Pro Football Focus credited him with 11 catches for 126 yards and nine first downs on 19 targets against man coverage, plus 63 yards after the catch.
chiefs.com - Downs had 10 third-down receptions resulting in first downs, the 12th-most in the NFL.
chiefs.com - At North Carolina, Downs set single-season school records in 2021 with 101 catches and 1,335 receiving yards. He left with 202 receptions and 2,483 receiving yards in 23 starts.
Fox News - Downs averaged 9.8 yards per punt return during his career. The Chiefs waived punt and kick returner Nikko Remigio after acquiring Downs.
WHERE:
Fox News - Downs warmed up before a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Fox News - The article identified Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, as the location of a game in which Downs ran with the ball against Titans cornerback L’Jarius Sneed.
Fox News - Downs spoke to the media at the University of Kansas Hospital Arrowhead Training Complex in Kansas City, Missouri.
chiefs.com - Downs played for the Colts before joining the Chiefs in Kansas City; he played college football in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Fox News - Downs was shown at practice at the University of Kansas Health System Training Complex in Kansas City, Missouri.
WHEN:
Fox News - The article caption identifies the 49ers game as taking place on Dec. 22, 2025.
Heavy NFL - The Chiefs released Nikko Remigio on Nov. 11.
WHY:
chiefs.com - The article said Downs’ third-down production could help open things up for Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy and other Chiefs receivers.
Fox News - Downs sought a trade after Indianapolis traded Nelson and Buckner; Fox News described the Colts as struggling and the Chiefs as contending.
chiefs.com - The Chiefs added Downs to their passing attack; the team article cited his route-running, separation against man coverage and third-down production.
HOW:
Fox News - Downs’ first game with Kansas City was listed for Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
Fox News - The Chiefs may use Downs as a punt returner after waiving Remigio.
Fox News - Downs’ first Chiefs game is scheduled against the Atlanta Falcons; the article lists Kansas City at 6–2 and Atlanta at 3–6.
The Kansas City Chiefs acquired wide receiver Josh Downs from Indianapolis, bolstering their passing attack. Downs has 33 catches for 354 yards this season, with strong man-coverage skills. His arrival could help Xavier Worthy thrive, while Downs may also contribute on returns.