The latest rumblings surrounding the Indianapolis Colts are that they're not totally out of the wide receiver search, and are still entertaining the possibility of adding another pass catcher to their offense. If the reporting is accurate, this is good thinking on the Colts' part.
As it stands, the Colts are thin at the wide receiver position after Alec Pierce and Josh Downs, who are respectively Indianapolis' No. 1 and No. 2 options for quarterback Daniel Jones. The thinning out comes after those two, with no current clear-cut No. 3 option until one of Ashton Dulin or Nick Westbrook-Ikhine wins the job.
Collectively, the experience and track record in the Colts' wide receiver room are largely unproven. Either team general manager Chris Ballard will be content going into next season with what he has, or he will sign another player. As for Downs, he's stepping up thanks to Michael Pittman Jr.'s departure, and one NFL analyst foresees a breakout season.
CBC analyst Tyler Sullivan selects Josh Downs to have a breakout season with the Indianapolis Colts
Downs has spent his three seasons in the NFL playing behind Pittman and Pierce as the Colts' No. 3 option. Surprisingly, as the third option, Downs' numbers were pretty good, especially during the 2024 season, where he racked up over 800 yards and five touchdowns on a career-high 72 receptions.
Last season, which would be Pittman's last with the Colts, Downs went for over 500 yards and four touchdowns on 58 receptions. Together with Pittman and Pierce, the Colts' offense was keen on spreading the football around, and thanks to that game plan, Downs was still able to remain heavily involved despite playing behind two other receivers.
The good news for Downs is he's now playing behind just one other wideout in Pierce, which is expected to open the door for Downs to have his best season yet. According to CBS NFL analyst Tyler Sullivan, Downs is the one Colts player he believes will have the breakout season.
"Downs had 88 targets last season (third most on the team), so it's conceivable that he's earmarked for 100 targets in 2026, setting the stage for a true breakout," Sullivan wrote. "Downs has been solid throughout the first three years of his career, including a 2024 season in which he logged 803 receiving yards and five touchdowns. Yet, the 24-year-old is still not recognized by the general public. That could change in 2026 with a larger role expected, along with Daniel Jones back for his second season with the organization."
It's true that Downs has shown plenty to earn a primary option slot with the Colts, and now that he has that, it's up to him to take advantage. As Sullivan writes, Downs has flown under the radar in Indianapolis, which is also true. Rightfully speaking, Downs has been one of the league's best No. 3 options for two seasons now.
One question going into next season is simply where Downs will line up. He's played more slot than anything for the Colts, but with Pittman gone, the Colts might move Downs to the outside or have him jump back and forth throughout games.
Downs is part of one of the most talented up-and-coming receiving corps in the league, although not a top 10 group just yet. Pierce and tight end Tyler Warren make for a solid trio, and Warren's quick emergence last season already has him in the conversation regarding the best tight ends in the league.
As for Downs, the 2026-27 season will be his first full season under the spotlight. Colts fans are hoping he comes through on offense, because Jones and company will need him too, there's no question.
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