Josh Downs has an important contract year ahead, and the Indianapolis Colts wide receiver is looking like one of the better players who could reach free agency next offseason.
NFL.com’s Gregg Rosenthal ranked Downs No. 22 on his early list of the top 25 potential free agents in 2027.
“Downs can be one of the league’s best slot receivers when healthy,” Rosenthal wrote.
Downs is entering the final season of the four-year rookie contract he signed after Indianapolis selected him with the No. 79 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft. He’s scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in 2027.
The 25-year-old has demonstrated his dependability as a first-rate pass-catcher for Indianapolis. Downs has totaled 198 receptions for 2,140 yards and 11 touchdowns through three seasons. His best statistical campaign came in 2024, when he caught 72 passes for 803 yards and five scores.
His production dipped to 58 receptions for 566 yards and four touchdowns last season, in part because Indianapolis leaned more heavily on multi-tight end personnel, while the addition of Tyler Warren created fewer pass-catching opportunities as well. The Colts have since indicated they want to expand Downs’ role again in 2026.
Downs also was not the only Colt to crack Rosenthal’s ranking. Seven-time first-team All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson checked in at No. 8, giving Indianapolis two players among the top 22 potential free agents.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts WR Josh Downs listed as top 25 free agent for 2027
