As the Baltimore Ravens look for trade targets to get Lamar Jackson that next piece that can take Jesse Minter over the top in his debut season, the Indianapolis Colts might be willing to change the balance of power in the AFC North now that Josh Downs is up for sale.
Downs, who requested a trade from the Colts after four seasons in Indianapolis, is expected to be a hot-ticket item as Indy's fire sale continues. The Ravens could make sense as a potential suitor, but Jordan Schultz is reporting that the rival Pittsburgh Steelers are one of many teams that are making a spirited play for Downs.
The Ravens possibly acquiring Downs would be a win on two fronts. Not only would it ensure that Jackson has yet another dynamic playmaker who can be electric after the catch, but it would deprive the Steelers of a player who could take a lackluster offense and kick it up a notch.
Baltimore Ravens should look at Josh Downs trade before Steelers do
Downs has 26 catches for 307 yards this season, which is right about on-par with his career averages in terms of catches and yards per game. Though he doesn't have a nose for the end zone with just 11 career touchdowns in four seasons, that can be at least partially excused due to lackluster quarterback play.
Downs, be it in the slot or as a boundary receiver, has enough juice as a playmaker to give this Ravens' passing game another weapon to lean on. Once Jackson returns to action and Declan Doyle no longer has to run a truncated version of the offense to accomodate Tyler Huntley, this passing game could take flight.
Some fans may have concerns about Downs ans Zay Flowers together, as placing a good chunk of the passing game responsibility on two players under 185 pounds who play at their best in the slot could seem a bit redundant. However, in the modern NFL, there's no such thing as having too many wide receivers, especially with Downs' impending free agency.
The Baltimore Ravens could use one more player like Josh Downs
While the Steelers have DK Metcalf locked in alongside developing rookie Germie Bernard, that wide receiver room is still far from a strength. Pittsburgh may be willing to part with some assets to get the most out of what will likely be Aaron Rodgers' final season in the pros.
With Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner being traded for a combination of three picks, the most prized of which was a 2027 third-rounder, it seems like Indy is trying to get rid of as many players as possible rather than hoarding their assets. Anyone worried about paying too high of a price for Downs may change their tune if Pittsburgh picks him up for dirt cheap.
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