The Indianapolis Colts are going to have a different offense in 2026, and Josh Downs is excited to see where it goes.
The wide receiver spoke about his potential in 2026 and opened up about his enhanced role in the Colts offense ahead of his final season under contract.
Downs had the worst season of his career in 2025, posting just 58 catches and 566 yards and four touchdowns, despite the fact the Colts offense was one of the NFL’s best for most of last season — until quarterback Daniel Jones ruptured his Achilles tendon against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
But with previous No. 1 wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. off to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Downs is in line to benefit.
Josh Downs is Guarding Against Chasing Money
Downs just saw teammate Alec Pierce get a massive four-year, $114 million contract from the Colts after the big-play receiver’s career 47-catch, 1,003-yard season in 2025.
It’s only natural for Downs, the third-round pick of the Colts in the 2023 NFL Draft, to see Pierce’s payday and dream of that for him. But he is guarding heavily against that.
“Obviously, you think about it a little bit,” Downs said on his podcast with his brother and Dallas Cowboys safety Caleb Downs. “At the end of the day, you’ve got to play football, you’ve been playing this sport your whole life. I feel like just going out there, putting in the work, and having fun with it.”
Luckily, aside from his brother, Downs has a good support group in his corner. His father Gary Downs played six NFL seasons, and his uncle Dre’ Bly was a two-time Pro Bowler and won the Super Bowl with the St. Louis Rams in 1999.
Plus, Downs has been getting sage advice from Colts running back Jonathan Taylor, who has already been through the process in negotiating with Indy.
“JT was telling me ‘Don’t even think about it, just go out there and play,” Downs said. “Keep doing what you’re doing.’ That’s the most important thing, not to think about chasing money. I feel like that’s when you lose yourself.”
Figuring a Contract for Josh Downs
The Colts made their investment in Pierce, and traded Pittman, in part so they could afford Downs, who is three years younger than Pittman.
Pittman signed a three-year, $70 million contract before the 2024 season and had 80 catches for just 784 yards and seven touchdowns in 2025.
But what will Downs’ contract be?
Obviously, much depends on Downs’ 2026 production. If Downs is going to be the possession receiver and therefore average 75-80 catches for 1,000-1,100 yards, he could be in the ballpark of Wan’Dale Robinson’s four-year, $78 million contract with the Tennessee Titans.
Robinson was coming off consecutive 90-plus-catch seasons with the New York Giants, and Downs (5-9) is comparably sized to Robinson (5-8). Plus, teams are inclined to overpay in free agency.
If the Colts want to lock in Downs for a lower rate, they could do so ahead of the 2026 season, especially off his down 2025 year. But after giving $88 million to Jones, and Pierce’s huge deal, the Colts may want Downs to prove he can be a top-flight possession receiver.
Colts WR Josh Downs Gets Honest About His Future Ahead of Final Year of Contract