Chiefs could take advantage of AFC team in shambles to secure a wide receiver for Patrick Mahomes

Not even the Kansas City Chiefs could have imagined such a smooth start to their 2026 season. A year after going 6-11 in disappointing fashion, and with Patrick Mahomes coming off of a major knee injury, the Chiefs have begun this season with a 5-0 record.

Three of their wins have been blowouts, including their most recent victory over the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 6. Kansas City lead the league in offensive yards per game, are fifth in points per game, and second in points per game allowed. Yet despite their success, there's still something that doesn't feel totally right.

In particular, Mahomes hasn't been able to get the passing attack flying just yet. His last two games have revealed some flaws in the passing game. To be fair, Mahomes hasn't had to put on the Superman cape, since running back Kenneth Walker III is playing like an MVP candidate. But Chiefs fans believe Mahomes needs more help at wide receiver.

Could Chiefs explore trade for Josh Downs?

Rashee Rice is set to come back from injury sooner than later, but even he didn't look quite right following offseason knee surgery. With Tyquan Thornton done for the season, the front office could look for an explosive pass-catching option, and the Indianapolis Colts present the perfect buying opportunity, with Josh Downs as a potential target.

The Colts just fell to 2-4 after a brutal home loss to the previously winless Tennessee Titans. In the aftermath, general manager Chris Ballard was fired. Ballard drafted Downs in the third round in 2023, and he hasn't quite lived up to the hype in his fourth season despite showing glimpses of greatness.

With Michael Pittman Jr. traded away in the offseason, Downs was expected to become the team's top target-earner, but he simply hasn't been efficient or productive. If the Colts decide to tank for the rest of the season, Downs could be on the trade block, since his rookie contract runs out at the end of this season.

Xavier Worthy has been a solid pass-catcher for Mahomes, but he's more of a vertical threat. Downs does most of his work in the short and intermediate areas of the field, which Mahomes likes feeding whether Rice is on the field as well or not.