On Wednesday, Colts wide receiver Josh Downs requested a trade.
The request follows a day when the Colts traded Pro Bowl guard Quentin Nelson and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner. Rumors also persist that the team could trade Jonathan Taylor.
Downs offers greater viability over Taylor as his contract expires at season’s end. Here’s a look at two potential trade partners for the slot receiver ahead of the NFL trade deadline.
NFL Trade Deadline: Best Josh Downs Trade Partners
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs have made deadline moves in previous seasons. A few years ago, the team added veteran receiver DeAndre Hopkins on the way to a Super Bowl run.
Downs qualifies as a strong option for Kansas City this season. Rashee Rice continues to deal with injuries while Tyquan Thornton is out for the rest of the season.
With Rice absent for a Week 7 game against Seattle, the Chiefs trotted out Xavier Worthy and Jalen Royals at receiver. Minimal depth exists beyond those players.
Presuming Rice returns, Downs and Rice would offer a nice complement to one of the league’s best rushing attacks. Entering Week 8, Kansas City ranks eighth in rush offense DVOA.
This year, the passing game has produced greater volatility than the rushing attack. Through six games, Kansas City recorded three pass DVOA grades above 54% and three below 12%.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Like Kansas City, Pittsburgh finds itself dealing with cluster injuries at wide receiver.
Pittsburgh placed Michael Pittman Jr., an offseason acquisition from Indianapolis, on injured reserve. Roman Wilson also occupies an IR spot, with Ben Skowronek dealing with injuries.
It leaves DK Metcalf, Germie Bernard and Kaden Wetjen as the only healthy receivers.
As the Steelers try to secure another division title, they absolutely need depth at receiver. However, Pittsburgh also appears focused on adding cornerback help.
Still, offense likely earns a greater focus. The Steelers rank 21st in pass offense DVOA this season, a ranking largely driven by a poor Week 2 performance.
Pittsburgh’s average for the season sits at 7.8%. Their last five games, however, saw the average rise to 23%. A Downs trade could further boost that profile.
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