The Pittsburgh Steelers could have another opportunity to upgrade their wide receiver room before the NFL trade deadline in November, as Indianapolis Colts receiver Josh Downs has reportedly requested a trade. With Pittsburgh dealing with injuries at the position and looking for additional help for Aaron Rodgers, Downs is an intriguing name to watch in the coming days.
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Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) breaks up a pass intended for Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (2) in the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported Wednesday that Downs requested a trade from Indianapolis. Shortly afterward, NFL insider Jordan Schultz provided an update that should catch the attention of Steelers fans.
"Josh Downs has received interest from multiple AFC teams, including the Steelers," Schultz reported.
Pittsburgh's interest does not guarantee a deal will happen, especially with other teams reportedly pursuing the 25-year-old receiver. However, Downs becoming available presents the Steelers with another potential solution to an offensive need that has become increasingly difficult to ignore.
Steelers Could Give Aaron Rodgers Another Reliable Target
The Steelers have been navigating a difficult stretch at wide receiver, with Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson on injured reserve and Ben Skowronek also dealing with an injury. Those absences have forced Pittsburgh to lean more heavily on its available options, including rookie Germie Bernard and Brandon Smith.
The Steelers could benefit from adding an established receiver who can consistently create separation and provide Rodgers with another dependable target. Downs fits that description. A third-round selection by Indianapolis in 2023, he has developed into a productive receiver who does much of his work out of the slot. His quickness and ability to find openings underneath could give the Steelers a different dimension in the passing game.
Through seven games this season, Downs has recorded 26 receptions for 307 yards. While he has yet to score a touchdown in 2026, his career production demonstrates that he can be a reliable contributor. He entered this season with 224 career receptions, nearly 2,500 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. His skill set could be particularly useful for Rodgers. Pittsburgh already has DK Metcalf as a major outside threat, while Bernard is working to establish himself as a dependable option. Adding Downs would give the quarterback another receiver capable of getting open quickly, moving the chains and making defenses account for more than one area of the field.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers veteran QB Aaron Rodgers (8) throws to star wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) during a win over the Cleveland Browns during the 2025 regular season in Pittsburgh, PA.
Another area where Downs could help the Steelers is against man coverage. He is a strong man coverage beater, using his quickness, route-running ability and separation skills to create openings against defenders. That is something Pittsburgh's offense could use more of, particularly when opposing defenses challenge its receivers one-on-one and force Rodgers to make tight window throws. Downs' ability to get open consistently would give Rodgers a reliable option when defenses focus on taking away Metcalf, potentially making the passing attack more difficult to defend. That could become especially important when opposing defenses focus on limiting Metcalf. Downs' ability to operate underneath and work through traffic would give Rodgers another option when the deep passing game is unavailable.
The Steelers would not necessarily need Downs to become their leading receiver. Instead, he could fill a complementary role, helping keep the offense moving while giving Rodgers another experienced player to trust on important downs. Indianapolis' recent roster moves also make Downs a name worth monitoring. The Colts traded offensive lineman Quenton Nelson and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, signaling that the organization is willing to make significant changes. With Downs approaching the end of his rookie contract, Indianapolis could decide that trading him now makes more sense than risking his departure in free agency without receiving anything in return.
What do you think of the news about Downs reportedly requesting a trade from the Colts? Do you think the Steelers will be able to land him? Be sure to continue to follow us for more Steelers news.
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