The Kansas City Chiefs acquired wide receiver Josh Downs from the Indianapolis Colts at the November 10, 2026 NFL trade deadline, giving Patrick Mahomes another target as injuries affect the receiving corps.
Chiefs projected WR depth chart after Josh Downs trade
| Role | Player |
|---|---|
| WR1 | Rashee Rice |
| WR2 / slot | Josh Downs |
| WR3 (injured) | Xavier Worthy |
| Rotation | Jalen Royals |
| Rotation | Cyrus Allen |
| Depth | Andrew Armstrong |
| Depth / special teams | Nikko Remigio |
| Injured | Tyquan Thornton |
This is a projected receiving hierarchy, not an officially announced post-trade depth chart. Availability and roster designations may change.
What did Kansas City trade for Josh Downs?
The Chiefs acquired Downs and a 2027 seventh-round draft pick in exchange for 2027 fourth- and fifth-round selections. Downs, 25, had 33 receptions for 354 yards and one touchdown in nine games for Indianapolis this season.
Who is the Chiefs’ WR2?
Downs projects as a prominent No. 2 target behind Rashee Rice, particularly in the slot. His short- and intermediate-route ability should give Mahomes another option against defenses focused on limiting explosive plays. Actual snap counts and targets will depend on how quickly he learns Andy Reid’s offense.
Xavier Worthy and Tyquan Thornton injury updates
Worthy suffered a hamstring injury against the New York Jets and could miss several weeks. Thornton has been sidelined with a serious ankle injury. Those absences made additional receiving help especially important for Kansas City.
How the trade changes the Chiefs offense
With Rice, Downs and eventually a healthy Worthy, Kansas City could use a versatile three-receiver formation featuring reliable underneath targets and downfield speed. Jalen Royals, Cyrus Allen and other depth receivers remain options in the rotation.
What’s next?
The Chiefs will work Downs into their passing attack while monitoring Worthy’s recovery. The team has not yet established a definitive post-trade receiver order, but Downs figures to play a meaningful role in Kansas City’s playoff push.