As the Indianapolis Colts' roster outlook remains up in the air and star running back Jonathan Taylor's future is at the center of the conversation, another name could be on the move soon. On Wednesday, Colts wide receiver Josh Downs reportedly requested a trade, as ESPN's Jeremy Fowler first reported.
Downs' reason for the request is unknown, but after the team recently dealt multi-time Pro Bowlers Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner, it's clear the reset button is being hit.
Sources: Colts WR Josh Downs is requesting a trade from Indianapolis. pic.twitter.com/rwGaVGMTFf
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) October 28, 2026
If the Colts opt to move Downs, there should be plenty of league-wide interest, as several teams currently need pass-catchers. Let's break down the best potential fits for Downs in a deal.
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons are jockeying for the top spot in the NFC South with the Carolina Panthers, currently 3-4 and a half-game back. With Drake London locked into the WR1 spot, the names behind him on the depth chart haven't moved the needle much. Jahan Dotson is the current WR2, with Olamide Zaccheaus and Zachariah Branch after. Wide receiver is a need for Atlanta, and they're in position to be buyers.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs have remained at the forefront of the wide receiver trade conversation, and the rumblings only picked up steam following a 20-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. The Chiefs have several weapons at wideout, but they're looking for one to emerge with Rashee Rice battling injuries.
San Francisco 49ers
Injuries haven't been kind to the San Francisco 49ers again in 2026, and yet they're still 6-1. They'd be an obvious choice to swing another deal with the Colts here after sending De'Zhaun Stribling, Ricky Pearsall and Demarcus Robinson to injured reserve. To make matters worse, their two current starters, Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel aren't fully healthy, either, so more playmaking at wideout is vital.
Los Angeles Rams
As the Rams attempt to dig out of a 2-4 hole to start the year, losing star wideout Davante Adams doesn't help. They're currently rolling out Konata Mumpfield and Jordan Whittington, both of whom have shown upside, behind Puka Nacua. Adding Downs would go a long way towards helping the team right the ship in the second half of the season and giving Matthew Stafford another legitimate weapon.
Seattle Seahawks
The reigning Super Bowl champions have leaned heavily on Jaxon Smith-Njigba, understandably, but haven't gotten much help from Cooper Kupp or Rashid Shaheed so far this season. Smith-Njigba has 58 receptions, and the next-closest player is tight end AJ Barner with 19 and Kupp with 18. The Seattle Seahawks have a glaring need at wide receiver, and adding Downs could be a great move.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: 5 ideal destinations for Josh Downs after Colts WR requests trade
