Travis Kelce is excited about the Kansas City Chiefs acquiring Josh Downs (Image via Getty Images)
It 100% made our offense better.
It’s going to be so much fun getting another guy in the building,” Kelce said. “The guy is one… like the biggest thing you said… man-to-man coverage,” Kelce told his brother. “We got another wide receiver, another weapon in the building… got some more arsenal for Andy Reid to go out there and use. “That’s going to come up more than you think down the line. When things get tight in the NFL, man coverage is what defensive coordinators go to. “He’s very good at all of that. Just to get another fast guy, another focal point for the defense to have to worry about in terms of the run game and having to relate the right way and things like that. And I can’t wait to get him in the building and get him acclimated to the Chiefs’ offense.”
Through nine games with Indianapolis this season, the 25-year-old receiver recorded 33 catches for 354 yards and one touchdown. He also produced at least 55 receptions and 550 receiving yards in each of his first three NFL seasons. The Chiefs have given up a fourth- and fifth-round pick in 2027, receiving a seventh-rounder in return.
The numbers suggest Kansas City has a good reason to welcome Downs. His consistency makes him an interesting addition for a team looking to improve its passing attack. There is a practical reason behind the move, too. Kansas City has dealt with injuries in its receiving group, including Tyquan Thornton’s ankle injury and Xavier Worthy’s recent absence. Downs offers Reid another player who can contribute without requiring the offense to change its identity. However, the trade also comes with a short-term question. Downs is in the final year of his rookie contract and can become a free agent after the season. They will want an immediate contribution from a player who could prove difficult to keep beyond this season.