Colts' Josh Downs Requests Trade, Latest NFL Rumors After Nelson, Buckner Deals Ahead of Deadline

As the Indianapolis Colts hold a fire sale, at least one player is ready to go.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, veteran wideout Josh Downs is requesting a trade:

Downs also indicated on Wednesday that he's "open to whatever" but said he wasn't necessarily interested in signing an extension with the Colts before the 2026 season.

Downs, 25, has caught 26 passes for 307 yards this season, though he's failed to reach the end zone. When healthy, tight end Tyler Warren has been the clear No. 1 option in the passing game for Daniel Jones, while fellow wideout Keenan Allen has also seen plenty of usage.

A healthy Alec Pierce would likely be the top option out wide in the passing game, though he's on injured reserve with a heel issue.

Downs had his best season in 2024, setting career highs in receptions (72), targets (107), receiving yards (803) and touchdowns (five) in just 14 games.

A Downs trade would be part of a broader theme in Indy.

The 2-5 Colts are currently embracing a rebuild, having already traded star guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks and star defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the San Francisco 49ers. Moving on from Downs or even running back Jonathan Taylor wouldn't come as a major surprise, though head coach Shane Steichen told reporters on Wednesday that Taylor hasn't requested a trade.

But more moves are likely coming, and Downs would like to be among them.