Whether it's current general manager Chris Ballard or someone else, the Indianapolis Colts will be in another contract situation next summer, much like they were with Alec Pierce just months ago. Pierce was a priority for the Colts after Michael Pittman Jr.'s exit, and Ballard was able to reel Pierce back in.Â
Now, unlike the previous few years when Pierce was the No. 2 target behind Pittman, he's the Colts' No. 1 target and will get the brunt of the offensive touches from quarterback Daniel Jones. From the Colts' point of view, last season was all they needed to see from Pierce to warrant a significant contract.Â
This season, Josh Downs will be last year's version of Pierce: a No. 2 target in need of a new deal next year, and what Downs does this season will go a long way in persuading the Colts to sign him up long-term or move on. Downs' contract year will be big for him, not just for future money, but also because he's in a brighter spotlight. The question is: what will he do under it?
Indianapolis Colts WR Josh Downs is focused on stock more than money
Last season wasn't Downs's best by any means. His third season saw his lowest production in receiving yards (566), receptions (58), and average yards per catch (9.8). His four touchdowns doubled his rookie season, but were one less than his five in his sophomore year.
Considering Downs crossed the 700-yard mark in each of his first two seasons as a depth wideout, last season was considerably underwhelming.
That alone makes the 2026-27 season all the more important for Downs, especially since it is a contract year and, let's face it, after Downs the Colts don't have the deepest wide receiver room, which bodes well for him.
The good news is that Downs has the widest open window ever in his NFL career to show what he can do, and it came at the perfect time given the nature of his contract situation.Â
The Colts can extend him at any point, but it's likely they will let the season play out and see how Downs performs. Regardless, the three-year pass catcher isn't focused on the contract right now, leaving it up in the air. Instead, he's got his attention on showing up and proving his worth.Â
"I don't know. Whatever happens is going to happen," Downs said while appearing on The Fan Morning Show. "But I'm not like 'oh I need that now,' because I'd rather boost my own stock throughout the season. I feel like I can do a lot more, and I want that to show and see where that goes."
Despite only catching 58 balls last season, Downs was targeted 84 times. It wasn't like the offense wasn't trying to involve him. For a third wide receiver, 84 targets isn't bad at all. For a second receiver, Downs should expect somewhere around the 90-110 mark.
Pierce will see more balls, but Downs is the next man up. It shouldn't be a surprise to see him hit his 2024 production mark of 800 yards, or higher, in 2026.
This season is the best opportunity for Downs to prove his worth as a premier target. The fact that a contract extension is on the line adds to the pressure, but it should also add fuel to Downs's fire.
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