Overview
- The trade was completed on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026, with the Chiefs sending 2027 fourth- and fifth-round picks to Indianapolis and receiving Josh Downs plus a 2027 seventh-round pick.
- Downs had formally requested a trade from the Colts and is in the final year of his rookie contract, making him a free agent after the season unless Kansas City signs an extension.
- The Chiefs made the move to address an injury-depleted receiver corps after Tyquan Thornton suffered a season-ending ankle injury and Xavier Worthy sustained a hamstring issue.
- Josh Downs is a slot-oriented, chain-moving receiver who has 33 catches for 354 yards this season, so Kansas City surrendered Day-3 draft capital for immediate short-area playmaking rather than true downfield speed.
- The Colts continued a roster teardown that began after the firing of GM Chris Ballard by converting players into draft assets, and the deal gives Downs a chance to prove his fit in a title-contending offense.