The Kansas City Chiefs acquired wide receiver Josh Downs from the Indianapolis Colts on Tuesday, trading a 2027 fourth-round and fifth-round pick for Downs and a 2027 seventh-round pick. The move comes one day after the NFL trade deadline and follows Downs' request to leave Indianapolis.
Chiefs waive Nikko Remigio on Wednesday, a day after completing the trade for Downs. Remigio, who had returned over 100 kicks and punts for Kansas City, was released as the team likely plans to utilize Downs in a return specialist role.
Downs, selected by the Colts in the 2023 NFL Draft, has spent his entire four-year career in Indianapolis, recording 224 receptions for 2,447 yards and 11 touchdowns in 54 games. He has also returned punts for the Colts, averaging 9.8 yards per return during his career. In nine games this season, Downs has 33 receptions for 354 yards.
The Chiefs, who rank 10th in the league with 264.4 passing yards per game, add Downs to a receiving corps that includes Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy. Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce praised the acquisition on the New Heights podcast, stating Downs will 100% make the offense better and expressing excitement about his arrival. Kelce’s brother, Jason Kelce, also highlighted Downs’ ability to create separation in man coverage, calling him a strong fit for the Chiefs’ offensive scheme.
Downs requested a trade from the Colts after Indianapolis dealt Pro Bowl lineman Quenton Nelson and All-Pro defensive tackle DeForest Buckner in October. The Colts, who have traded four players before Tuesday’s deadline, agreed to the deal with Kansas City after other potential suitors did not materialize.
The Chiefs’ roster adjustment with Remigio’s release suggests Downs may take on return duties, a role he has experience in. Remigio had returned 312 punt yards and 24 kickoff yards during his time with the Chiefs, with a long punt return of 24 yards and a long kickoff return of 17 yards in his career.