Kansas City Chiefs Predicted To Make Trade Move For Josh Downs

Kansas City Chiefs could explore a trade for WR Josh Downs to strengthen their receiving corps.© X/@JFowlerESPN

The Kansas City Chiefs had built their offense around Patrick Mahomes and Kenneth Walker III, but their first loss of the 2026 season exposed a problem they could not afford to ignore. When the Seattle Seahawks shut down Walker, Kansas City's passing game failed to pick up the slack. With the November 10 trade deadline approaching, the Chiefs could look to the Indianapolis Colts for help. The Athletic's Ted Nguyen predicted Kansas City would pursue wide receiver Josh Downs, who could offer Mahomes another reliable option in the passing game.

Josh Downs linked to Rashee Rice's role

Nguyen projected that the Chiefs could acquire Downs for a fourth-round draft pick, giving their struggling receiving group a potential upgrade without paying the steep price of a bigger trade.

Kansas City's 20-3 defeat to Seattle showed why another receiver could help. The Seahawks contained Walker, while their defense prevented the Chiefs' wideouts from creating enough separation against man coverage.  Xavier Worthy struggled to beat nickel cornerback Nick Emmanwori on a slot fade, raising questions about his ability to fill that role consistently.

“George Pickens would be the dream trade for the Chiefs, and they should be willing to trade significant capital for him if the Cowboys put him on the market, rather than potentially losing him in free agency next year, but Jerry Jones is unpredictable. The next best option would be Downs, who could be significantly more productive in the Chiefs' offense.”Nguyen wrote.

Downs could fit into the slot and give Mahomes a dependable target over the middle. His ability to change direction and gain yards after the catch would offer the quarterback another way to move the chains, particularly when defenses take away the deep ball.

The move could become more realistic because Downs reportedly requested a trade from Indianapolis on Wednesday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The Colts had already traded offensive lineman Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the San Francisco 49ers.

Chiefs need another option alongside Rashee Rice

Downs' availability comes at a time when Kansas City's receiving depth has become a concern. Rashee Rice was expected to return soon, but his injury history has raised questions about how consistently the Chiefs could rely on him. Tyquan Thornton, meanwhile, was ruled out for the season, leaving the offense short of proven options.

Worthy has had opportunities to establish himself, but his struggles have searched another playmaker more pressing. Downs could help fill the space between the short passing game and the deep routes Kansas City has struggled to execute.

The Colts receiver has recorded 26 catches for 307 yards this season. He has 224 receptions, 2,447 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns across 54 career games.Downs did not publicly address his reported trade request, instead focusing on Indianapolis' upcoming game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

"I'm here right now," Downs said. "I'm here right now. I'm where my feet are. We got the Jags this weekend, and so I'm in the game plan. So, I've got to be ready to go."