The Kansas City Chiefs needed another receiver. They got one just before the buzzer.

Kansas City acquired Josh Downs from the Indianapolis Colts on Tuesday ahead of the NFL trade deadline. The Chiefs sent 2027 fourth- and fifth-round picks to Indianapolis for Downs and a 2027 seventh-round pick.

"I am beyond grateful and blessed for my time in Indy. Nothing but love For the Shoe," Downs wrote on X.

Mahomes needs a spark

The Chiefs have had trouble stretching the field this season, even with Patrick Mahomes. He has not completed a pass that traveled more than 20 yards in the air since Week 4.

Their best deep threat early in the year was Tyquan Thornton. He dislocated his left ankle and needed surgery. Xavier Worthy then left last week's win over the New York Jets late in the fourth quarter with a left hamstring injury.

Downs already knows what it is like to face Kansas City. He led the Colts with seven catches for 72 yards against the Chiefs in Week 2.

A slot specialist on the move

Downs, a third-round pick in 2023, had asked to be traded. He averaged 66 catches and about 713 yards in his first three seasons and is known for his quickness and route running out of the slot.

This season has been tougher. With No. 1 receiver Alec Pierce out, defenses keyed on Downs. He has 33 catches on 56 targets for 354 yards and one touchdown. He also dropped two passes in Sunday's loss to Dallas.

"I got some things I've got to fix on my own," he said after that game.

Indianapolis starts over at receiver

Downs is the second Colts receiver traded Tuesday after Keenan Allen went to San Francisco. Indianapolis will lean on Laquon Treadwell, Ashton Dulin and rookie Deion Burks, plus tight end Tyler Warren. The Colts also promoted Nick Westbrook-Ikhine from the practice squad.

Downs' contract runs out after this season. The Chiefs play the Falcons in Atlanta on Sunday.