Josh Downs Requests Trade as Colts Continue Roster Fire Sale

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs has requested a trade from the organization, adding another layer of volatility to a roster currently undergoing a significant mid-season overhaul. The development follows the high-profile departures of team captains Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner earlier this week as the 2-5 Colts pivot toward a rebuilding phase.

While Downs is reportedly seeking an exit, head coach Shane Steichen confirmed on Wednesday that star running back Jonathan Taylor has not made a similar request. Steichen maintained that the “expectation doesn’t change” for the remaining players, even as the front office, now led by interim general manager Ed Dodds following the dismissal of Chris Ballard, continues to reshape the depth chart ahead of the November 10 trade deadline.

The Colts are prioritizing the accumulation of future draft picks following recent high-profile trades.

Recouping Draft Assets

The sudden willingness to move core veterans appears rooted in the team’s lack of draft capital for the 2027 season. The Colts are currently without a 2027 first-round pick, a consequence of the earlier trade to acquire cornerback Sauce Gardner from the New York Jets. To offset this gap, the team has been active in accumulating middle-round selections.

On Tuesday, October 27, the Colts traded All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for a 2027 third-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick. Hours later, defensive tackle DeForest Buckner was sent to the San Francisco 49ers for a 2027 fourth-round selection. These moves have effectively signaled a transition away from the current core in favor of future flexibility.

Downs’ Diminished Role and Potential Suitors

Downs’ request comes amid a stagnant year for the Indianapolis passing game. Through seven games in the 2026 season, Downs has recorded 26 receptions for 307 yards but has yet to find the end zone.

According to reports from Jordan Schultz, the Pittsburgh Steelers are among the AFC teams that have already contacted the Colts regarding Downs’ availability. The receiver’s production has cooled significantly as the offense has struggled with consistency under quarterback Daniel Jones, making him a logical candidate for a team looking for a young, affordable target with upside.

The Colts' offense has struggled to find consistency during a 2-5 start to the 2026 season.

Status of Jonathan Taylor

Despite the “fire sale” environment in Indianapolis, Jonathan Taylor remains on the roster for the time being. While rumors have circulated about his future given the team’s trajectory, Steichen’s confirmation that no trade request has been filed suggests the Colts may still view Taylor as a foundational piece or are waiting for a substantial offer that meets their valuation. TSN reported Downs’ trade request alongside the confirmation that Taylor has yet to follow suit.

With nearly two weeks remaining before the trade deadline, the focus remains on interim GM Ed Dodds. Having taken over a front office that just moved two of its most tenured leaders, Dodds is tasked with navigating a locker room currently in flux while maximizing the return for assets like Downs before the window closes.

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