Where Will Josh Downs Play Next? Latest News

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Background

The Josh Downs Next Team market asked which NFL team would acquire the Colts slot receiver, who was in the final year of his rookie deal and had requested a trade. On Nov. 10, 2026, ahead of the trade deadline, Indianapolis sent Downs and a 2027 seventh-round pick to Kansas City for 2027 fourth- and fifth-round picks, per AP, ESPN and NFL Network. The Colts announced the deal after Downs passed his physical. Kansas City, Pittsburgh and Washington had been the most often reported suitors, and the market resolves Dec. 1.

The dynamic that matters now is settlement. The trade to Kansas City is complete, yet the Indianapolis contract trades near 50%, a price the reporting does not explain. Kansas City needed receiver help after an injury to Xavier Worthy. Readers should watch for any rules clarification from Kalshi on how a completed deadline trade maps to each outcome before the Dec. 1 resolution.

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Nov. 10, 2026: Colts Trade Josh Downs to Chiefs for Two 2027 Picks

Josh Downs's Next Team Chances Jump to 50% for Indianapolis After Colts Trade Him to the Chiefs

Josh Downs's next team is the Kansas City Chiefs, the destination in the Kalshi Josh Downs Next Team market. The Colts traded the wide receiver on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026, ahead of the NFL trade deadline. Kansas City sent 2027 fourth- and fifth-round picks to Indianapolis and received Downs plus a 2027 seventh-round pick, according to AP, ESPN and NFL Network. The deal became official once Downs passed his physical, and the Colts announced it shortly after.

On Kalshi, the Indianapolis contract rose from 9% to 50% over the three days ending Nov. 10, a gain of 41 percentage points. That price is hard to square with a completed trade to Kansas City, and this article does not explain it.

Kansas City needed help at receiver. Xavier Worthy suffered a hamstring injury in the Chiefs' Week 9 win over the Jets, and Downs now joins Rashee Rice in the receiver room, per AP. Downs had 33 catches on 57 targets for 354 yards and one touchdown in nine games for Indianapolis in 2026. He had requested a trade, and the Colts were already selling: Keenan Allen went to San Francisco for a 2027 sixth-round pick, after earlier deals sent Quenton Nelson to Seattle and DeForest Buckner to San Francisco. "I am beyond grateful and blessed for my time in Indy," Downs posted, as reported by IndyStar.

What the Downs Trade Means for How the Next Team Market Resolves

The destination is settled in the real world: Downs plays for Kansas City. What remains is how the contract settles on Dec. 1, 2026.

Downs is in a contract year and heads toward free agency in spring 2027, after the market's Dec. 1 resolution date. Readers tracking settlement can follow the Josh Downs Next Team market. The next milestone is that settlement, along with any rules clarification from Kalshi on how a completed deadline trade to Kansas City maps to each outcome.

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Earlier Updates

Nov. 8, 2026: Chiefs' Chances of Landing Josh Downs Hit 44% After Schefter Report

Kansas City37% → 44%▲7

On Nov. 8, ESPN's Adam Schefter confirmed that the Chiefs are interested in Colts wide receiver Josh Downs, who has requested a trade, though no deal had been finalized before the Tuesday, Nov. 10, deadline. Charles Robinson said the Chiefs are "being really aggressive" and called Downs the "top prize" of the deadline. Reports also said the Colts had already received a fourth-round pick offer for Downs, though the offering team was not identified.

Nov. 6, 2026: Will Josh Downs Be Traded? Colts at 18% as Teams Balk at Price

Indianapolis10% → 18%▲8

On Nov. 5, Ian Rapoport reported that teams had not yet met Indianapolis's asking price for Josh Downs, with interim GM Ed Dodds involved in the talks, according to Yardbarker. On Nov. 4, Downs pushed back on the idea that he wants out of Indianapolis, saying "Those weren't my words" and "I'm on contract," according to Colts Wire.

Nov. 4, 2026: Will the 49ers Trade for Josh Downs? Chances Fade Before Nov. 10

San Francisco13% → 8%▼5

On Nov. 1, NinerNoise reported through insiders that the 49ers were not expected to trade for Colts slot receiver Josh Downs, with the Chiefs, Commanders and Steelers named as interested teams ahead of the Nov. 10 deadline. Insider Jordan Schultz said on The Pivot that Indianapolis wants a third-round pick but would likely settle for a fourth. San Francisco had already traded a 2027 fourth-round pick to Indianapolis for DeForest Buckner on Oct. 28.

Nov. 1, 2026: Chiefs and Steelers Send Day 3 Offers for Josh Downs; KC at 36%

Kansas City28% → 36%▲8

On Oct. 30, NFL reporter Evan Sidery reported that the Chiefs and Steelers each sent Day 3 draft offers to the Colts for Josh Downs, who had requested a trade on Oct. 28. As of Oct. 31 no deal had been reached, and MARCA reported that Indianapolis initially wanted a 3rd-round pick, above either bid, though it may accept a 4th or 5th.

Oct. 30, 2026: Will the Chiefs Trade for Josh Downs? KC Hits 36% After Day 3 Offer

Kansas City6% → 36%▲30

On Oct. 29, NFL reporter Evan Sidery reported that both the Chiefs and Steelers have offered Day 3 draft compensation for Colts wide receiver Josh Downs, with a deal expected after the weekend and likely costing a fourth- or fifth-round pick. Earlier that day, ESPN's Adam Schefter said on his podcast that the Colts are looking for third-round value and that no team was willing to pay it.