Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers enter a new battle over the same receiver as Chiefs and Steelers target him
The Chiefs and Steelers are both looking to add help before the trade deadline
P atrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers could soon be competing for the same new target. The Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers have both shown interest in Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs , ESPN’s Dan Graziano reported Wednesday. With the trade deadline approaching, both teams are looking for the right playmaker to strengthen their passing game.
Downs has reportedly asked the Colts to trade him after Indianapolis sent Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks and DeForest Buckner to the San Francisco 49ers. The 25-year-old is in the final year of his rookie contract and has said he is “open to whatever” comes next.
Why Josh Downs could help Patrick Mahomes or Aaron Rodgers
Josh Downs has been a productive receiver throughout his first three NFL seasons , with at least 500 receiving yards each year and more than 700 in two of them.
He has also shown he can make plays at different levels of the field. This season, he has 30 catches for 330 yards and a touchdown, according to the report.
The Steelers could give Rodgers another option in an offense that needs more consistent production from its receivers. In Kansas City , Mahomes could use a dependable target as the Chiefs try to strengthen their passing game for the stretch run. Josh’ experience and versatility could make him a fit for either quarterback.
The Colts’ asking price may determine which team gets a chance to add him. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Indianapolis wants a third-round pick, but said the price could fall to a fourth-rounder as the deadline approaches.
The wide receiver also pushed back on the idea that he told the Colts, “I don’t want to be here.” “Those weren’t my words,” he said, adding that Indianapolis drafted him and he is still under contract. For now, he said, his focus is on the team and the job in front of him.
Josh Downs’ expiring contract could make teams hesitant to give up a higher pick for a player who may become a free agent after the season.
For now, the Chiefs and Steelers are linked to the same receiver, but neither team has completed a deal. If the Colts lower their asking price, Mahomes or Rodgers could soon have a new weapon for the playoff push.
