Colts receiver asks to be moved before deadline

Colts wide receiver Josh Downs has asked to be traded, according to sources familiar with the situation. The 25-year-old is in the final year of his rookie contract. Multiple teams have shown interest in him, but no deal was completed. The lack of movement, despite the team's rebuilding strategy, led to the request.

Downs spoke to reporters on Wednesday about his standing with the club. This followed Tuesday's trades of guard Quenton Nelson and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner. Downs said he is open to any outcome. He stated, "I'm open to whatever. Whatever comes my way, come my way and we go from there."

The status of running back Jonathan Taylor is less clear. Sources say several teams want Taylor. However, head coach Shane Steichen said on Wednesday that Taylor has not requested a trade. When asked directly if Taylor asked to be moved, Steichen answered, "no." He added that current discussions are hypothetical. "I know there's stuff floating around out there, but JT's on our football team," Steichen said.

The Colts are 2-5. They will face uncertainty until the trade deadline on Nov. 10. Downs has struggled with extra defensive coverage this season. The team lacks a reliable No. 1 receiver after Alec Pierce's departure and has inconsistency at quarterback with Daniel Jones. Downs has 26 catches for 307 yards and no touchdowns. His catch rate is 56.5%, a career low.

Downs said he is focused on the upcoming game against the Jaguars. "I'm here right now. I'm where my feet are. We got the Jags this weekend and so I'm in the game plan. So, I've got to be ready to go," he said. Steichen told the team to stay focused despite the roster changes. He noted that losing key players hurts. "But that's the NFL and that's the hard part about it. That's what we signed up for," Steichen said.

Steichen declined to say if Nelson and Buckner asked to be traded, calling the information private. The Colts sent Buckner to the San Francisco 49ers. In return, they received a 2027 fourth-round pick. Nelson went to the Seattle Seahawks. Indianapolis received a 2027 third-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick. These moves occurred one week after the team fired general manager Chris Ballard.