The Seattle Seahawks have a grand opportunity to explore trading for Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs, who may be the talent that the team needs to provide a significant boost to their passing attack.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Monday's episode of “The Pat McAfee Show” that teams have been calling Indianapolis about the receiver, with the Colts seeking a third-round pick, and perhaps a fourth-round selection to complete a deal within the next eight days.
Downs has demonstrated legitimate WR2 production during his first two seasons in the NFL. He finished his rookie year in 2023 with 771 receiving yards and two touchdowns before enjoying a career year in 2024 with career-highs in receiving yards (803) and receiving touchdowns (5).
After a down year in 2025, when he finished with 566 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns, Downs appears to be capable of bouncing back in the right environment.
Downs remains a highly-regarded talent around the league, and the right situation may help unlock another level of his game. Seattle has a clear need for another reliable receiving option to complement Jaxon Smith-Njigba and prevent opposing defenses from focusing their attention on one primary target. Either a third or fourth-round pick is well worth it to acquire Downs and continue the front office’s aggressive approach to improving the roster, especially following the team’s recent acquisition of superstar guard Quenton Nelson.
We all know Seahawks general manager John Schneider has a great relationship with Colts interim GM Ed Dodds, who was once a Seahawks employee under Schneider. Perhaps Schneider can once again leverage his relationship to Seattle's advantage.
With an opportunity to add an established playmaker without surrendering premium draft picks, Downs ought to be an appealing target for Seattle to pursue.
This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: Seahawks should consider trading for Colts WR Josh Downs before NFL trade deadline
