Josh Downs trade request gives 49ers the slot receiver they actually need

Niner Noise argues that Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs would be an ideal trade target for the San Francisco 49ers. Indianapolis head coach Shane Steichen confirmed on Friday that the 25-year-old slot receiver officially requested a trade, following earlier Colts deals that sent Quenton Nelson to Seattle and DeForest Buckner to San Francisco.

Writer Casey McAleer suggests Downs fits head coach Kyle Shanahan's scheme perfectly, having amassed nearly 2,500 career receiving yards. While insiders report the 49ers may not seek another receiver ahead of the November 10 deadline due to returning injured players, McAleer believes acquiring Downs as a potential rental would significantly boost quarterback Brock Purdy's options.