The Washington Commanders have been linked in the media to a trade for Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs. Nothing is confirmed, but the team does need another productive pass-catcher after losing Terry McLaurin to a torn patellar tendon.
But would throwing another draft pick at someone like Downs make sense?
There's merit to it, especially if the Commanders believe Downs could take a leap into becoming a legitimate option with more responsibilities on his shoulders.
Commanders wouldn't just trade for Josh Downs, they may also have to pay him
Downs has reportedly handed in a trade request as the Colts plan for the future. Offensive lineman Quenton Nelson and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner have both been shipped out, and others could soon follow. The wideout has seen this situation for what it is and taken the opportunity to try for a fresh start elsewhere.
According to some reports, the Colts would be willing to accept a fourth-round pick for Downs, who is out of contract after the season. The Commanders might be willing to part ways with a mid-round selection in this scenario, but you'd also have to pay him if things go well.
And that's the tricky part.
The 2023 third-round pick out of North Carolina was highly productive over his first two seasons in the league. Things tailed off last year, and he is currently on pace for 660 receiving yards in 2026 if the same trend continues.
Not exactly earth-shattering numbers, but most experts believe Downs can increase his productivity in a more favorable environment.
It's hard to say for sure, but the route-running, athleticism, and concentration are all there. Downs can play, so the Commanders must figure out where he fits, how much he could potentially help, and how much they would have to pay him on an extension.
Josh Downs' market projection might be off-putting for potential Commanders trade
According to Spotrac, Downs' market value is projected at $16.95 million per year on a four-year, $67.8 million deal. Not exactly chump change, but certainly enough to make the Commanders think twice about bringing him into the organization.
And given he isn't the most physically imposing, Downs might be too similar to what the Commanders already have.
If the Commanders throw their hat into the ring, they won't be alone.
Interest in Downs is supposedly robust, with several teams across the league looking for receiver help for the second half of 2026. Some of the linked teams are right on the cusp of contending, and even though the Commanders are not out of the NFC East running just yet, nobody would class them among the Super Bowl challengers by any stretch.
General manager Adam Peters must weigh the risk versus reward before deciding whether the Commanders buy, sell, or stand pat at the deadline. They beat the Philadelphia Eagles, and if they beat the Los Angeles Rams, the front-office leader might have the luxury of being a little bolder if the price is right.
If not, then standing pat or selling is probably the play, though the Commanders lost two valuable trade pieces when McLaurin and defensive lineman Daron Payne went to season-ending injured reserve.
Fans are divided. Some want the Commanders to be bullish in their quest to breathe new life into the season. Others have accepted the team's fate and want Peters to consolidate in readiness for another pivotal offseason.
The truth lies somewhere in the middle. But if a fourth-round pick is all it'll take to get Downs, then it warrants a discussion at the very least.
Washington has to start planning for a life without McLaurin and Stefon Diggs. Downs would be a good place to start, but the Commanders have to be convinced he can be a part of the future, not just the present.
Time will tell on all fronts.
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