Former UNC Star WR Requests Trade Ahead of 2026 Deadline

Former North Carolina Tar Heels star and Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs has been in trade rumors over the last week, with Indianapolis starting a fire sale. The Colts traded away Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner earlier in the week, and Downs and Jonathan Taylor have also been brought up in trade rumors.

Downs seems like he could be the next player on the move, as he requested a trade on Wednesday. The 25-year-old is in the final year of his rookie contract and will be a free agent this offseason.

In seven games in 2026, Downs has 26 receptions for 307 yards. Across his four seasons in the NFL, he has caught 224 passes for 2,447 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Downs had an impressive career with the Tar Heels and has developed into a quality weapon in the NFL. In the 2020 season, he had seven receptions for 119 yards and three touchdowns.

He had a breakout campaign in 2021, finishing with 101 receptions for 1,335 yards and eight touchdowns, while catching 94 receptions for 1,029 yards and 11 touchdowns in the 2022 season.

Downs then entered the NFL Draft, and the Colts selected him in the third round. Now that Downs could be on the move, there are multiple contending teams that he could make an impact on. 

Playoff teams, including the Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers, could be in the mix to acquire the former Tar Heels star.

Downs has proven he can be a reliable weapon from his time at North Carolina to his first few seasons in the NFL. He is the best receiver that the Tar Heels have produced in recent years. 

North Carolina's best receiver on their current roster is Jordan Shipp, who could be their next wideout off to the NFL.

Shipp has developed through his three seasons with the Tar Heels. In 2024, he had nine receptions for 114 yards and a touchdown. He had a breakout season in 2025, finishing with 60 receptions for 671 yards and six touchdowns. 

Shipp is having another strong season in 2026, with 41 receptions for 543 yards and two touchdowns across seven games.

While Downs will look to thrive on a new team if he is dealt at the trade deadline, North Carolina will be trying to have a strong end to the season with Shipp potentially being a selection in the 2027 NFL Draft.