Colts GM sees huge upside for Josh Downs after Michael Pittman Jr. move

Indianapolis GM Chris Ballard believes the departure of Pittman Jr. will allow Downs to take the next step.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 11:10pm

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The Indianapolis Colts have made some key offseason moves, including trading away wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. to the Pittsburgh Steelers. While this takes away the team's one-two punch at receiver, Colts GM Chris Ballard believes it will open the door for Josh Downs to have a breakout season in 2026.

Why it matters

The Colts are looking to build on a solid 2025 campaign, and Downs' development will be crucial with Pittman Jr. now gone. Ballard sees immense potential in Downs, who has been a steady contributor the past few seasons, and believes the increased opportunities will allow the young receiver to showcase his special talents.

The details

Downs has posted at least 560 receiving yards in each of his first three NFL seasons, though his numbers dipped slightly in 2025 with 566 yards and 4 touchdowns. With Pittman Jr. now in Pittsburgh, the path is clear for Downs to take on a larger role in the Colts' passing attack and potentially emerge as the team's WR2 behind a still-developing quarterback in Daniel Jones.

  • Downs is entering his fourth NFL season in 2026.

The players

Chris Ballard

The general manager of the Indianapolis Colts, who believes Josh Downs has the potential for a breakout year with the departure of Michael Pittman Jr.

Josh Downs

A wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts who has been a steady contributor the past few seasons and is expected to see an increased role in the offense with Pittman Jr. now on the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Michael Pittman Jr.

A former wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts who was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason, opening up more opportunities for Josh Downs.

Daniel Jones

The developing quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts, who will be looking to build chemistry with Josh Downs as the team's new top receiving threat.

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What they’re saying

“I think Josh Downs is freaking good. I do. I've always thought he's good. I think allowing him some more opportunities, we're going to see some of the special stuff you've seen in the past, but more.”

— Chris Ballard, General Manager, Indianapolis Colts

What’s next

The Colts will be closely monitoring Downs' progress throughout the offseason and into training camp, as they look to see if he can emerge as a true WR2 option alongside their developing quarterback Daniel Jones.

The takeaway

The departure of Michael Pittman Jr. opens the door for Josh Downs to take on a larger role in the Colts' offense, and the team's GM believes the young receiver has the potential to have a breakout season in 2026. Downs' development will be crucial as Indianapolis looks to build on its solid 2025 campaign.