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By Rowan Fisher-Shotton
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The Indianapolis Colts blew a late lead and lost 27-23 to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, dropping to 2-7 and leaving their fire sale in full swing with the trade deadline set for 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday.
Wide receiver Josh Downs has become the center of attention as he's one of the top trade candidates, and he had a day to forget against Dallas. He dropped a key third-down pass late in the fourth just before the Cowboys' go-ahead touchdown drive, and Dallas safety Caleb Downs, Josh's younger brother, then came down with the final Hail Mary attempt to seal the win.
Jonathan Taylor and Daniel Jones are two other Colts who could be dealt before the deadline, and had bad games Sunday. But Downs remains the only one of the three who has actually requested he be traded, a decision that he made one day after the team dealt Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner.
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When asked after the game whether he wants to be in Indianapolis, Downs paused, then said he's ready for any outcome when the deadline rolls around.
"I said I'm open to whatever, and if they want me to stay here, I'mma stay here, and if they don't, they'll trade me away," Downs said.
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Downs, a third-round pick in 2023, is in the final year of his rookie contract. Before Sunday's game, he had 30 catches for 330 yards and one touchdown in eight games. That makes him the leading receiver on the team, but that may say more about just how bad this offense is. Before Sunday, the Colts had been averaging just 174.6 passing yards per game, the fifth-lowest mark in the NFL.
The trade request is the main reason his name is out there, with head coach Shane Steichen confirming it. But Downs has pushed back on how it was framed, saying, "those weren't my words." He's been a regular in trade rumors since.
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It makes sense for the Colts to move on from Downs. They're rebuilding, he's about to be a free agent, and they've already sold off other veterans. NFL insiders Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport reported that the Colts are looking for a third- or fourth-round pick, and the team has already received offers. The Steelers have been the most frequently mentioned landing spot, since they're a playoff contender and have a banged up receiving corps. The Chiefs, Patriots, and 49ers have also been rumored.
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