The Kansas City Chiefs acquired wide receiver Josh Downs from the Indianapolis Colts on Tuesday, addressing a need at the position as key players contend with injuries. The trade, which sent 2027 fourth- and fifth-round picks to Indianapolis, was finalized the same day Patrick and Brittany Mahomes announced their fourth pregnancy.
Chiefs acquire Downs as injuries mount
The Chiefs sent a 2027 fourth-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick to the Colts in exchange for Downs, a 24-year-old receiver who recorded 72 receptions for 803 yards in 2024. Through nine games this season, Downs has 33 catches for 354 yards on a Colts offense that limited his targets. The move comes as Kansas City navigates injuries to Rashee Rice (hamstring) and Xavier Worthy (hamstring), both of whom exited Sunday’s 35-12 win over the Jets with ailments.
Mahomes family trend resurfaces amid trade
The announcement of the Mahomes’ pregnancy coincided with the trade, renewing discussion of a perceived trend: Brittany Mahomes’ pregnancies during Chiefs seasons have preceded Super Bowl appearances. The Chiefs reached the Super Bowl in 2020 (LV), 2022 (LVII), and 2024 (LIX) during pregnancies, though they also won a title in 2023 without a pregnancy. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes referenced the streak humorously, stating he hoped it would continue.
49ers pivot to Keenan Allen after Downs pursuit
The San Francisco 49ers, initially interested in Downs, ultimately traded for veteran receiver Keenan Allen after evaluating both players. 49ers GM John Lynch noted that head coach Kyle Shanahan suggested Allen while reviewing Downs film. Allen, who attended UC Berkeley, has 40 catches for 480 yards in eight games with the Colts this season and brings experience as a chain-mover on third downs. He described adjusting to Shanahan’s offensive system as a “head spinning” process requiring repetition.
Other contenders pursued Jets’ Garrett Wilson
Prior to the Chiefs and 49ers securing Allen and Downs, both teams reportedly expressed interest in New York Jets WR Garrett Wilson, though a trade never materialized. Wilson, under contract through 2030, remains a foundational piece for the Jets, who sit at 2-7 this season. He has stated his priority is winning, though he expressed love for the organization.
Downs’ role and Chiefs’ Super Bowl aspirations
For Kansas City, Downs adds depth to a receiving corps dealing with injuries. His addition follows the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LIX victory in February and their ongoing pursuit of sustained success. The trade’s timing—amid a resurgent Chiefs offense and a quarterback’s playful nod to superstition—has fueled both analytical and anecdotal discussions about the team’s trajectory.