With the Kansas City Chiefs’ lineup dealing with numerous injuries at pass receiver, it appeared that it would just refer time before the front workplace signed more skill to reinforce the group’s WR depth. And with the season’s trade due date reached, they have actually done simply that by settling a trade with the Indianapolis Colts for Josh Downs.
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Right after being obtained by the Chiefs, Downs published a GIF of previous NBA gamer Vince Carter getting psychological and yelling “Come on!” on X. His post was then shared by Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomeswho captioned it with an alarm clock emoji, recommending it had to do with time the Chiefs obtained Downs. Mahomes’ response exposed that he was likewise anticipating beginning and developing chemistry with the group’s latest receiver.
After the trade was completed, the main Kansas City Chiefs manage likewise published a video of Downs on X, revealing the receiver revealing his enjoyment about landing in Kansas City.
“What’s great, everyone? Josh Downs signing in,” Downs stated in the video. “I’m delighted to be signing up with Chief’s Kingdom, guy. Simply touched down in the city, all set to get to work.”
Organized by Chiefs basic supervisor Brett Veach, the Chiefs got WR Downs and a 2027 seventh-round choice by providing the Colts 2 2027 draft choices in exchange: one fourth-round and one fifth-round choice.
Downs signed a four-year, $5.52 million novice agreement with the Colts in 2023, which brought his 2026 base pay to $3.92 million. Because the Colts have actually currently paid him for the very first half of the season, the Chiefs will just be accountable for paying Downs for the staying video games of the season, leading to a cap hit of about $2 million for the 2026 season.
Downs himself has actually likewise shown enjoyment about the relocation, particularly given that he had actually currently asked for a trade from the Colts last month.
With a multi-week losing streak pressing their 2026 record to 2 wins and 7 losses, the Colts have actually almost chosen to toss the existing season. Prior to Downs’s trade, they currently carried out a mid-season fire sale including crucial veteran gamers Quenton Nelson, DeForest Buckner, and Keenan Allen in favor of getting draft capital and entirely upgrading the group for the upcoming season.
Downs, who is presently playing out the last year of his novice agreement, asked for the trade after the franchise stopped working to connect relating to any long-lasting extension deals, developing unpredictability about his future with the group.
According to sources close to Downs, that wasn’t the only factor. The receiver was likewise positive in his capability and understood he had the possible to have fun with a group of the Chiefs’ quality, along with NFL stars like Mahomes, Kenneth Walker, and Travis Kelce.
Why Josh Downs Will Fit Right In With the Chiefs
Among the factors the trade exercised was that Downs attended to not simply lineup depth however likewise WR production. Regardless of the Colts’ abysmal revealing this season, Downs’ individual efficiency has actually been notable. This season, he taped 33 receptions for 354 lawns and one goal throughout 9 video games, which even goes beyond Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy’s production.
Downs is likewise understood for being an outstanding slot receiver, and his speed at the line of skirmish and crisp route-running assists develop separation, providing Mahomes a higher possibility at accomplishing success downfield. His active punt-return experience might likewise assist attend to the Chiefs’ return video game has a hard time.
What’s more, having actually bet (and lost to) the Chiefs in Week 2, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid and Mahomes had the chance to observe the pass receiver in action, which will likely make it much easier for them to incorporate him into the offense.
Downs’ schedule likewise balanced out a few of the pressure on the hurt Chiefs receivers, who might stay on the heal till the playoffs. Reid made his expectations of a brand-new entrant to the lineup generously clear.
“They’ve got to be wise and have the ability to get rapidly,” Reid stated to ESPN while very first talking about including a WR. “I’ve had gamers that have actually done that. I would inform you there much better be some kind of ability there, capability, since you’re leaping in the middle of things.”
With 9 more video games to go this season, what stays to be seen is how rapidly Downs ends up being comfy with the Chiefs’ offense and if he can end up being a crucial element of a winning offense.
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