Colts' Josh Downs Requests Trade; Jonathan Taylor Stays

Indianapolis Colts receiver Josh Downs has asked to be traded, sources told ESPN. Downs, 25, is in the final year of his rookie contract. The request follows a period of stalled negotiations despite interest from multiple teams. The team's recent shift toward rebuilding appears to have accelerated the decision.

Downs addressed the situation on Wednesday. He said he is open to whatever comes his way. He noted that he is currently part of the game plan for the weekend matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He emphasized that he is where his feet are.

The trade deadline is set for November 10. Until that date, the Colts remain in a state of flux. The team is 2-5 this season. The uncertainty is compounded by the recent departure of key personnel.

Running back Jonathan Taylor has not requested a trade, according to coach Shane Steichen. Steichen confirmed this on Wednesday when asked directly by reporters. He described trade talks regarding Taylor as hypothetical. He stated that Taylor is on the football team.

Steichen acknowledged that losing players causes pain. He referred to the trades of guard Quenton Nelson and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner. He said the NFL is hard and that is what players signed up for. He declined to say whether Nelson and Buckner asked to be traded, keeping that information private.

The Colts traded Buckner to the San Francisco 49ers for a 2027 fourth-round pick. They sent Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks for a 2027 third-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick. These moves occurred one week after the team fired general manager Chris Ballard.

Downs has struggled this season without the presence of primary target Alec Pierce. He has recorded 26 catches for 307 yards and no touchdowns. His catch rate stands at a career-low 56.5 percent. Defenses have frequently sent a second defender to cover him.