JoshDowns

News: 10 hours agoDowns formally requested a trade from the Colts on Wednesday, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

Spin: After Indianapolis dealt away guard Quenton Nelson and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner on Tuesday, Downs could be the next player on the move in what's shaping up to be a non-contending season for the 2-5 Colts. Though more opportunities in the passing game have opened up while Alec Pierce (heel) has been sidelined for the past five games, Downs hasn't been able to forge much of a connection with quarterback Daniel Jones. The wideout hasn't recorded more than 80 receiving yards in any of his seven appearances, and he's been held under 50 yards in each of the last four contests. According to Fowler, the Colts have already fielded trade offers from multiple teams on Downs, who could emerge as a more consistent vertical threat elsewhere if he ends up being dealt prior to the Nov. 10 deadline.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Downs has settled in as a serviceable slot receiver, which has helped him to finish in the 35-to-45 range among WRs in total fantasy points in each of his three NFL seasons. Downs peaked with a 72-803-5 receiving line in 2024, but took a step back in a crowded offense last season, and failed to deliver a single fantasy week better than 15th at the position. The undersized Downs isn't an option near the goal line, as he hasn't cleared five touchdowns or three end zone targets in a single season. The 25-year-old has a path to a slightly larger role in 2026 with Michael Pittman Jr. gone, leaving Alec Pierce, Tyler Warren and Keenan Allen as his primary target competition. Downs is a sleeper for flex production in PPR formats.