Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer had a trade column on Tuesday morning. In the section where he discussed the Indianapolis Colts wanting to make more moves, he mentioned Josh Downs. Breer listed the San Francisco 49ers among three teams still interested in adding a wide receiver:
The Chiefs and Steelers have been the prime suitors for receivers, with the Niners still lingering on the periphery. There was a belief from some teams over the weekend that Downs would be moved to Kansas City for a fourth-round
pick. And again, the hope, for the Colts, would be that letting this all play out might sweeten whatever deal they get for the tough, resourceful middle-of-the-field target, who’s at the end of his rookie deal.
Perhaps there are two Josh Downs, but that is not a player who has been overly impressive in my eyes this season. If you narrow his performance down to the last three weeks, it’s been underwhelming. He’s only catching 63% of his targets despite 90% of those being on target. He’s primarily a slot receiver, but doesn’t have the make-you-miss ability to create after the catch.
When I watch, the separation comes from the scheme. In true man-to-man situations, Downs has failed to hold on to the ball in key moments for the Colts. He does not feel like the type of wideout who would raise the bar for the 49ers. We’ll find out by the end of the day if the Niners share those same sentiments.
Here’s Breer on another popular wide receiver on the trade market, Jaguars’ Brian Thomas Jr.:
One more Jaguars’ note: I don’t think the moves Monday affect their approach with wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., and I figured they might at first, given Thomas would be a piece they could move to recoup some of the capital lost in the three trades.
The reasoning for that is the same I’ve explained the past couple weeks.
Thomas isn’t having a great year. He has 10 catches for 117 yards and two touchdowns. He’s playing 43.0% of the team’s offensive snaps, while Meyers is playing 75.41% and Washington is playing 74.59%. But that doesn’t mean he isn’t bringing value.
While the third-year pro isn’t a great fit for Coen’s offense, which values the grit, toughness and after-catch production of Washington and Meyers, he does serve a unique purpose—his ability to threaten the defense downfield is unlike what the other two receivers bring, and opens things up underneath for those guys and in the run game. He’s also a good soldier, and so keeping him as a decoy hasn’t proven to be disruptive to the team.
The other thing? He’s under contract next year. So in a year in which the Jaguars feel like they can compete at the highest level, the purpose Thomas serves now is more valuable than what might get back selling low on him, particularly when they can trade him after the season, when rookie Josh Cameron might be ready to replace him.
Thomas Jr. has four targets in the past three games. He’s not involved in the Jaguars’ plans. Thomas Jr. needs a fresh start. The good news is, with the 49ers, he wouldn’t need to be “the guy.” Watching him run routes and seeing his targets, the speed is palpable. For whatever reason, Thomas Jr. and Trevor Lawrence aren’t on the same page. The timing is off by a split second, and that’s been the difference between him having a couple of catches and 10 during the past month or so.
He’s worth buying low on and would be a great fit for Kyle Shanahan’s offense, the way Thomas Jr. can run away from coverage and stretch the field horizontally.
Through the first month of the season, Dontayvion Wicks led Philly with 154 yards on downfield targets. He did that on just six receptions. Wicks hasn’t played since Week 6. He’s under contract through 2027. Drops have been an issue during his career, but the talent and skill set make him a fit for the 49ers.
If you’re calling the Eagles about receivers, you’d be foolish not to ask about DeVonta Smith. While unrealistic, he’s a WR1 in every sense. Smith has only played four games this season, but he’s one of the most dangerous receivers in the NFL.
