Josh Downs Could Cost Just a 2027 Fourth-Round Pick; Chiefs Should Move on WR Trade Target While Price Is Low
Downs emerges as an option
Kansas City’s need for a receiver has fueled trade speculation, while the available free-agent pool is described as limited. The Colts are among the teams that may have reason to trade a top offensive player, and Downs has featured in rumors.
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reported that the Chiefs had interest in Jacksonville’s Brian Thomas Jr. but were less inclined to pursue him. Breer identified Downs as a possible alternative and said the receiver could cost a fourth-round pick.
Draft capital and salary
Kansas City is scheduled to have two selections in each of the third and fourth rounds of the 2027 NFL Draft. The story says those picks could match the range Indianapolis might seek for Downs, while suggesting general manager Brett Veach should resist demands beyond that.
Downs, a 2023 draft pick, is in the final season of his rookie contract. Spotrac lists a $1.96 million cap charge for a team acquiring him, an amount the story says Kansas City could absorb with little or no roster adjustment.
Production and role questions
Downs plays in the slot often, which could overlap with how Kansas City uses Rashee Rice. But his downfield numbers are improving: his average depth of target is 10.3 yards, and his 7.6 yards before catch per reception is a career high.
SumerSports puts Downs at 2.15 yards per route run against man coverage, a top-25 mark among receivers with at least 100 routes in 2026. Pro Football Focus credits him with at least five contested catches in each of his first three seasons and four through eight games this year; no Chiefs receiver has more than two.
Deadline creates urgency
Waiting until Tuesday afternoon’s deadline could expose Kansas City to a higher asking price if another team pursues Downs. At the same time, that deadline may give Indianapolis reason to wait before making a deal.
The story argues that a star receiver is unlikely to join Kansas City before the offseason and presents Downs as a potentially strong option at the deadline. Whether the Chiefs act depends on the price and how they assess his fit.
Key points
- The Colts’ Josh Downs is a possible Chiefs trade target, with a reported price of a 2027 fourth-round pick.
- Kansas City has two 2027 fourth-round selections and could absorb Downs’ listed $1.96 million cap charge.
- Downs has improved downfield metrics, though his frequent slot use could overlap with Rashee Rice.
- Waiting until Tuesday afternoon’s deadline could raise the price if another team enters the pursuit.