Downs finished 2025 with career lows in a slew of statistical categories, often becoming an afterthought in an offense with RB Jonathan Taylor, TE Tyler Warren, WR Alec Pierce and WR Michael Pittman. With Pittman traded away in March and no comparable replacement obtained, Colts coach Shane Steichen mentioned in April that he wants the 5-foot-9 Downs to take more perimeter snaps during the offseason program. Pittman's departure thus gives Downs a chance to increase both his route share and his per-route target rate, though the August signing of Keenan Allen could present some problems there. QB Daniel Jones is coming back from an Achilles tear, adding risk to the offense as a whole, but Downs is squarely back on the breakout radar as he enters the final year of his rookie contract.