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Chiefs Trade for Josh Downs, Mahomes Reacts With Single Emoji
· Confirmed
In Short: Downs' move to the Chiefs could lead to a second contract in the 2027 offseason if he builds a rapport with Mahomes.
The Kansas City Chiefs made a significant move on Tuesday, acquiring wide receiver Josh Downs and a 2027 seventh-round pick from the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for 2027 fourth- and fifth-round selections.
Downs, who had requested a trade earlier this season, is now set to join the Chiefs for the remainder of his rookie contract in 2026.
Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs' quarterback, expressed his excitement about the trade with a single emoji, a gif of Vince Carter expressing gratitude.
Downs, drafted in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, brings valuable experience as a slot receiver.
At 6-2, the Chiefs have reason to invest in their current opportunity, with Downs providing a dependable option at receiver.
The Chiefs are in win-now mode, with key players like Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Chris Jones getting up there in age.
The trade comes amid other team developments, including the situation with tackle Josh Simmons, who was told to leave a team meeting by Andy Reid and Mahomes.
Rick Burkholder, the Chiefs’ vice president of sports medicine and performance, said Simmons missed practice to talk with his family and representation about his rehab.
The Chiefs are facing a critical period, with Downs' addition expected to provide useful support to the team's passing game.
Background
The Indianapolis Colts traded wide receiver Josh Downs to the Kansas City Chiefs for future draft picks.
The Kansas City Chiefs have traded for Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs, adding depth to their passing game.
What's confirmed
- Downs had requested a trade and was approaching the end of his rookie contract.
What's still developing
- The downside is surrendering a young receiver with established production.
- However, the Chiefs should expect useful support rather than an automatic transformation.
- Downs gives Mahomes an experienced slot receiver who can help sustain possessions through shorter throws and underneath separation.
- The Chiefs earn a B for addressing a pressing need without sacrificing an early-round pick.
- The Chiefs’ pick in the 2025 first round, Simmons has played in only eight of a possible 22 games and will also miss at least the Chiefs’ next four.
- Chiefs Josh Simmons Situation Described as ‘Extremely Serious’ “Nothing leaks out of One Arrowhead Drive by accident. The Chiefs are sick of Josh Simmons,” KCTV5 sports anchor Mark Poulose wrote Sunday, citing the ESPN report.
- The episode happened “for a ridiculous reason,” Sporting News wrote.
- He threw for 19 first downs along with three touchdown passes.
- Downs now goes from catching passes from Daniel Jones, whose 82.3 passer rating ranks 34th out of 35 qualified quarterbacks this season, to catching passes from Patrick Mahomes, a three-time Super Bowl MVP.
- Plus, if Downs builds a nice rapport with Mahomes, this deal could lead to a second contract come the 2027 offseason.
- That's why the Chiefs went out and traded for Downs.
- His production provides a foundation for that expectation.