As the trade deadline neared, the Indianapolis Colts were able to trade wide receiver Josh Downs to the Kansas City Chiefs.
So what grade did ESPN's Seth Walder and Ben Solak give this deal?
Along with Downs, the Colts also sent a 2027 seventh-round pick to the Chiefs. In return, Indianapolis received a 2027 fourth-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick.
Although uncertainty around whether or not Jonathan Taylor would be traded grew as the trade deadline drew closer, Downs being moved felt like a near-certainty. He had requested a trade, and since that became public, he had struggled.
In the Colts' previous two games, Downs caught seven passes on 11 targets but for only 47 yards with a touchdown. He also had two crucial dropped passes in Sunday's
loss to Dallas.
It felt like a fresh start for both Downs and the Colts was needed.
It's also important to note that Downs is set to become a free agent at the end of the season, and at this point, it seemed unlikely that he would be back.
ESPN grades Colts-Chiefs Josh Downs trade
ESPN liked this deal for both teams. The Colts earned a 'B+' and so did Kansas City.
"As for the Colts, while I wouldn't have been opposed to them signing Downs to a long-term deal given his age (25) and talent, dealing him is quite logical. They are in the midst of a teardown and if Downs left via free agency, they would not recoup this much value in a compensatory pick -- if they even got one."
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: ESPN grades Colts-Chiefs Josh Downs trade
