Chiefs trade for Colts WR Josh Downs - ESPN

The Kansas City Chiefs have obtained needed help at wide receiver, acquiring Josh Downs in a trade with the Indianapolis Colts.

The Chiefs sent 2027 fourth- and fifth-round picks to the Colts in exchange for Downs and a 2027 seventh-round pick.

«I am beyond grateful and blessed for my time in Indy. Nothing but love For the Shoe,» Downs posted to X on Tuesday.

The Chiefs desperately needed to add another receiver to their roster. The Chiefs have struggled to pass the ball downfield, even with quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Since Week 4, when the Chiefs defeated the Las Vegas Raiders, Mahomes hasn't completed a pass of over 20 air yards. Earlier this season, the Chiefs' best deep threat was receiver Tyquan Thornton, who suffered a dislocated left ankle that required surgery.

In the Chiefs' win last week over the New York Jets, Mahomes averaged just 2.8 air yards per attempt, his second fewest in a game in his career, according to Next Gen Stats, despite finishing with 242 yards and two touchdowns. Xavier Worthy, the third-year receiver, also left the game late in the fourth quarter with a left hamstring injury. The Chiefs' next game is Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons in Atlanta.

Downs, who is known for his quickness and route-running ability, especially from the slot, had an impressive performance in Week 2 against the Chiefs. Downs led the Colts that night with seven receptions on nine targets for 72 yards.

Downs had requested to be traded. He is the second Colts wide receiver dealt Tuesday, joining Keenan Allen, who was traded to the San Francisco 49ers.

The Colts will have a relatively unknown group of remaining receivers. With no timeline established for Alec Pierce's return, the Colts will turn to Laquon Treadwell,