Patrick Mahomes Reacts to Chiefs Trade for Josh Downs With Cryptic Post

The Kansas City Chiefs gave quarterback Patrick Mahomes a new weapon for the second half of the 2026 NFL season by acquiring wide receiver Josh Downs from the Indianapolis Colts ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline, per multiple reports.

Kansas City is reportedly sending a 2027 fourth-round and a 2027 fifth-round pick to Indianapolis in exchange for Downs and a 2027 seventh-round selection.The trade ends Downs’ time with the Colts, who fired general manager Chris Ballard in mid-October.

Downs, who is in the final year of his rookie contract, reportedly requested a trade about a week after Ballard’s dismissal.

It didn’t take long for the Chiefs to pounce on the 25-year-old, who appeared ecstatic about the trade.

Patrick Mahomes Responds To Josh Downs With A Cryptic Post

With Indianapolis granting his wish for a change of scenery, Downs couldn’t help but express his elation by posting the iconic Vince Carter celebration GIF.

Though he celebrated the move out of Indianapolis, Downs was still appreciative of his three-plus years with the Colts, who took him in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of North Carolina.

Downs wasn’t the only one who made his feelings known on social media. Minutes later, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes quoted the post with a single alarm clock emoji, seemingly indicating that it’s about that time.

What Josh Downs Brings To The Chiefs

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Downs has been linked to Kansas City for weeks. The Chiefs have been wanting to get reinforcements at wide receiver, and Downs fills that need.

Primarily a slot receiver throughout his career, Downs has been a reliable target for the Colts. In nine appearances this season, he has tallied 33 receptions on 57 targets for 354 yards and one touchdown. No Chiefs receiver has recorded at least 50 targets and 300 receiving yards so far.

The Chiefs’ offense has been leaning on the run game more this year than in any other season in the Mahomes era, thanks to the addition of reigning Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker this offseason.

Kansas City is averaging 137.8 rushing yards per game in eight games so far. They averaged 110.3 per game from 2017 to 2025.

Their passing game, however, has been largely inconsistent. That’s where Downs’ addition comes into play for Patrick Mahomes. The fourth-year pro gives the three-time Super Bowl champion another dependable option over the middle. However, Downs isn’t much of a deep-ball threat, and that was arguably the biggest need the Chiefs had to address.

This trade is a little bit of a gamble for Kansas City. Downs will become a free agent after the season, so there’s a chance he could end up being a rental.

Nonetheless, Downs gives Mahomes more weapons through the second half of the campaign as the Chiefs look to return to contention after missing the playoffs last year. Kansas City is 6-2 this season and is second in the AFC West.

With Mahomes returning to form after recovering from ACL surgery and Travis Kelce still playing at a high level, injecting Downs into their offense should help them compete for another championship.