Chiefs strike at trade deadline for WR as Colts continue fire sale

Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach has made yet another mid-season trade for a wide receiver. This time, it's Indianapolis Colts wideout Josh Downs heading to Kansas City, according to multiple reports. It's the third time in the last four years that Veach and the Chiefs are acquiring a receiver ahead of the NFL trade deadline. Veach previously traded for Kadarius Toney in 2022 , Mecole Hardman in 2023 and DeAndre Hopkins in 2024. Downs had requested a trade out of Indianapolis at the end of October, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, and he's set to get his wish. The wide receiver joins guard Quenton Nelson , defensive tackle DeForest Buckner and fellow receiver Keenan Allen as players the Colts have moved or are moving ahead of the NFL trade deadline. TRADE DEADLINE TRACKER: Rumors, updates as blockbuster deal gets done The Chiefs were in dire need of help at receiver as injuries began to stack up in their receiving corps, which was already lacking depth. Tyquan Thornton, who led the Chiefs with 19.9 yards per catch, suffered a dislocated ankle in Week 4. Xavier Worthy, who is tied for the team's lead in receptions (33), is day-to-day with a hamstring injury. Rashee Rice missed two games earlier this year with his own hamstring injury. Here's what the Chiefs gave up to acquire Downs: Josh Downs trade details Chiefs get: WR Josh Downs 2027 seventh-round pick Colts get: 2027 fourth-round pick 2027 fifth-round pick Indianapolis has received a total of five picks in next year's NFL draft plus an additional pick in 2028 in return for four players. The Downs trade was the final move the Colts made ahead of the deadline as they opted to keep running back Jonathan Taylor on the roster. The Chiefs gave up their first two picks on Day 3 of next year's draft to get receiver help now. Kansas City had lost two straight games and possession of first place in the AFC West before stopping their skid with a Week 9 win over the Jets. Downs projects to slot into the Chiefs' starting trio of receivers immediately upon his arrival. COLTS TRADE NEWS: 49ers trade for WR Keenan Allen Josh Downs reacts to his trade Downs expressed his gratefulness for the Colts' granting his desire to be traded with a post on social media site X. The receiver posted a GIF depicting Vince Carter's emotional reaction at his jersey retirement ceremony in 2024.