Should the Raiders trade for Colts WR Josh Downs? - Raiders Wire

The Las Vegas Raiders continue to field arguably the worst wide receiving corps in the NFL. Three of the Raiders' top four receiving-yards leaders are tight ends and running backs. Tre Tucker has been the offense's only impactful wideout.

If Raiders GM John Spytek considers trading for a wide receiver, an intriguing opportunity just became clear. The Indianapolis Colts are entering full-blown rebuild mode after trading IOL Quenton Nelson and DT DeForest Buckner on Tuesday in exchange for future NFL draft capital.

Wide receiver Josh Downs could be the next Colts player to be traded.

Downs is a dynamic slot receiver who is a reliable playmaker underneath the coverage. The former North Carolina standout has 26 receptions this season for 307 yards. He's on an expiring contract, so it likely wouldn't take more than a mid-Day 3 pick to acquire him.

Downs leads the entire league in snaps from the slot (171). Tucker currently leads the Raiders in both snaps outside (186) and the slot (65). Acquiring Downs would allow Tucker to focus on his most natural alignment as a boundary receiver.

The Raiders could use Downs' consistency from the slot. Acquiring him would be affordable, and they'd also possess enough flexibility to re-sign him beyond this season.

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