Colts trade Downs, keep Taylor in trade deadline scramble
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Josh Downs asked for a trade, and the Colts obliged at the buzzer. Photo: Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images
Well, it looks like that heartfelt goodbye Jonathan Taylor gave Colts fans after Sunday's loss was premature.
Why it matters: The Colts shipped out two more wide receivers before Tuesday's NFL trade deadline, but held onto their remaining stars as the team continues a dramatic midseason roster overhaul.
Driving the news: Indianapolis traded wide receiver Keenan Allen to the San Francisco 49ers for a 2027 sixth-round pick and receiver Josh Downs to the Kansas City Chiefs for 2027 fourth- and fifth-round picks.
- The Colts also sent a 2027 seventh-round pick to Kansas City.
- Ahead of deadline day, the Colts traded eight-time Pro Bowl guard Quenton Nelson to Seattle for a 2027 third-round pick and 2028 fifth-rounder, and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to San Francisco for a 2027 fourth-round pick on Oct. 27.
Zoom in: Taylor remains in Indianapolis despite interest from several contenders, including the New York Giants.
- The Colts reportedly wanted a first-round pick or a blockbuster package to part with the three-time Pro Bowler.
- Quarterback Daniel Jones is also staying put. There was talk that multiple teams called about him, but the Colts informed Jones before the deadline that they did not intend to trade him.
State of play: The Colts enter the deadline aftermath at 2-7 after losing five straight, including Sunday's 27-23 heartbreaker against Dallas.
- Indianapolis led 23-20 late before surrendering a touchdown, followed by a Jones interception on the final possession.
- General manager Chris Ballard was fired Oct. 19 and interim GM Ed Dodds has overseen the roster moves.
- Downs requested a trade after the Nelson and Buckner deals, while Taylor spent weeks fielding questions about his future.
What they're saying: Coach Shane Steichen said Monday that the uncertainty had taken up considerable space around the team.
- "It'll be great to get the trade deadline over," Steichen said. "Obviously, there's been a lot of speculation, a lot of talk, a lot of noise the last three weeks."
- With the deadline passed, Indianapolis cannot make another in-season trade until the offseason.
- The immediate challenge is figuring out how to compete with a considerably thinner roster.
What's next: The Colts host the Miami Dolphins at 1pm Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium.