You think Josh Downs was happy to get out of Indianapolis?
The 25-year-old requested a trade from the Indianapolis Colts after they traded Pro Bowl offensive lineman Quenton Nelson and All-Pro DeForest Buckner in October, and his wish was granted on Tuesday. The Colts traded Downs and a 2027 seventh-round pick to the Kansas City Chiefs for 2027 fourth- and fifth-round picks.
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Downs took to social media to express his jubilation from being traded from the reeling Colts to the contending Chiefs. He posted a GIF of an exultant Vince Carter from his retirement ceremony, indicating his excitement about the trade. In a separate post, Downs thanked the Colts.
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Wide receiver Josh Downs #12 of the Kansas City Chiefs talks to the media during practice and media availability at The University of Kansas Hospital Arrowhead Training Complex on Nov. 11, 2026, in Kansas City, Mo. (Getty Images)
“I am beyond grateful and blessed for my time in Indy. Nothing but love For the Shoe,” Downs wrote on X.
Downs became the fourth player the Colts traded before Tuesday’s trade deadline, joining Nelson, Buckner and wide receiver Keenan Allen.
With the Chiefs, Downs will provide an immediate boost to a unit that has struggled to produce this season. Rashee Rice leads Chiefs wide receivers with just 292 receiving yards this season.
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Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (1) runs the ball as Tennessee Titans cornerback L’Jarius Sneed (38) defends during the second half at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, on Oct. 13, 2024. (Steve Roberts/Imagn Images)
Downs has spent his entire four-year NFL career with the Colts after Indianapolis selected him in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of North Carolina.
In nine games this season, Downs has caught 33 passes for 354 yards. In 54 career games with the Colts, he has recorded 224 receptions for 2,447 yards and 11 touchdowns. He has also returned punts, averaging 9.8 yards per return during his career.
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Josh Downs of the Indianapolis Colts warms up before an NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Dec. 22, 2025. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
The Chiefs waived punt and kick returner Nikko Remigio after acquiring Downs, suggesting they may use the former Colts star in that role.
Downs’ first game with the Chiefs (6-2) will be against the Atlanta Falcons (3-6) on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.