The Colts are having a fire sale, and the San Francisco 49ers have already sifted through their bargain bin. Quenton Nelson went to Seattle, and DeForest Buckner came home to the Bay on Tuesday. Just one day later, Josh Downs asked his current employer for a trade, confirmed by head coach Shane Steichen on Friday. Most of the big receiving names floating around at the deadline don't fit the 49ers' need. But Downs does.
Various insiders around the NFL have reported the Niners aren't expected to trade for another receiver, given how crowded the room promises to be once all of these names come back from injury. If, however, they changed their mind from now until November 10th, Downs would be the ideal fit for Kyle Shanahan's scheme.
Downs fits the actual need in this receiver room
Downs is a slot receiver, and a proven one at that. He's posted almost 2,500 yards across his 3.5 seasons in the NFL, with 11 touchdowns and not a single fumble. From the slot, Downs has put up 1,964 yards since 2023. That's second only to Amon-ra St. Brown of the Detroit Lions.
That's a spot where the 49ers could use some help right now. Mike Evans works the outside, Deebo Samuel does his damage from anywhere, and Jordan Watkins is developing into a respectable Z receiver..
A lot of quarterback Brock Purdy's game relies on targets over the middle, and right now, that spot is mainly riding on George Kittle. An excellent pair of hands to have there, of course, but more skilled hands on the field is always a good thing.
The concerns about Downs are real, though. He's on the final season of his rookie contract, and he would be arriving as a rental, much like the recently acquired Buckner. But the likelihood of the Niners getting a new deal with Downs could be real, as their receiving corps isn't getting any younger. While big names like De'Zhaun Stribling are upcoming, a veteran piece that's closer in age could be a benefit to the team beyond Downs' ability on the field.
None of that changes the math. The 49ers are 6-1 with a receiver room that's been held together by scotch tape and a few bandages. Downs wouldn't be a blockbuster, but he's a young, proven option who could potentially help the Niners get over the hump in the playoffs.
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