Steelers Insider Calls Out Colts' "Crazy" Asking Price For Josh Downs

The Pittsburgh Steelers may have to wait until the final hours before the NFL trade deadline to find out whether one of their reported wide receiver targets is actually available. The Indianapolis Colts are taking an unusual approach to the deadline, planning to play their potential trade candidates on Sunday before making decisions about their futures on Monday.

That could put Josh Downs in an interesting position. The young receiver has been connected to Pittsburgh as the Steelers look for additional help for Aaron Rodgers, but Indianapolis reportedly wants significant compensation to move him. A third-round pick has been mentioned as the asking price, which could make a deal difficult for General Manager Omar Khan.

Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette discussed the situation Friday on 93.7 The Fan's Pomp and Joe Show, questioning whether the Colts' demands are realistic.

"Looks like it's gonna be quiet around here in terms of the deadline until Monday... Somebody said the Colts want a three for Downs, that's crazy," Fittipaldo said.

For the Steelers, the waiting game is only part of the challenge. Downs could address a need in their passing offense, but the compensation required to acquire him has to make sense for a team that still needs to protect its long-term interests.

Steelers Must Decide How Much Josh Downs Is Worth

There is a legitimate football reason for Pittsburgh to pursue Downs. He is a quick, versatile receiver who can create separation underneath and provide Rodgers with another dependable option. With DK Metcalf serving as the primary outside threat, Downs could give the offense a different skill set and make it more difficult for opposing defenses to focus on one area of the passing game.

The Steelers have also dealt with injuries and inconsistency among their receiving options, making additional depth an appealing possibility. Adding a player who can contribute from the slot would give the offense another way to move the football, particularly in situations where Pittsburgh needs a reliable short-to-intermediate target.

However, the reported asking price changes the conversation. Downs is in the final year of his rookie contract, meaning any team acquiring him would have to consider the possibility of losing him in free agency after the season. A third-round pick is valuable draft capital, especially when it could be used on a player who provides multiple years of team control.

That is a significant commitment for someone who might only be in Pittsburgh for the remainder of the season. Unless the Steelers believe they can work out a contract extension, surrendering a selection that high could be difficult to justify.

The Colts also have their own reasons to be patient. By playing their potential trade candidates Sunday and waiting until Monday to make decisions, they can evaluate their position before deciding whether to move anyone. 

On the other hand, if the organization decides to sell, the final 24 hours before the deadline could create an opportunity for interested teams. The Steelers would need to be ready to negotiate quickly, but they should not let the shrinking window force them into an unfavorable deal.

Khan has shown a willingness to explore the trade market, and Pittsburgh's 6-2 start gives the front office reason to consider adding another piece. The team has positioned itself to compete in the AFC, and improving the offense could help it make the most of that opportunity.

The next few days should determine whether the Colts are genuinely open to moving Downs or simply listening to offers. If Indianapolis sticks to its third-round asking price, the Steelers may be better off looking elsewhere. However, if that demand comes down after Sunday's game, Downs could become a much more realistic option.

Pittsburgh has a reason to be aggressive before the deadline, but it also needs to recognize the difference between filling a need and overpaying to do it. The Colts' timeline could give the Steelers a chance to see how the market develops before making their decision. That patience may be exactly what Khan needs to avoid giving up too much for a midseason addition.

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