As the Indianapolis Colts gear up for the new season, wide receiver Josh Downs finds himself in a familiar yet high-stakes position: entering the final year of his rookie contract. With free agency looming next offseason, the pressure could easily mount—but Downs is taking a page from his teammate's playbook and keeping his focus squarely on the field.

"Not much," Downs said when asked if the contract year weighs on him. "Obviously, I think about it a little bit, but at the end of the day, you gotta play football. I was talking to JT (Jonathan Taylor) about it yesterday, so JT was just telling me like, 'Don't even think about it, man. Go out there and play. Keep doing what you're doing.' That's the most important thing. Chasing money, I feel like that's when you lose yourself."

It's sage advice from a veteran back who knows a thing or two about contract negotiations. And for Downs, it's a reminder that performance—not panic—earns the next deal.

Over three seasons, the 5-foot-9 playmaker has quietly built an impressive resume: 198 receptions for 2,140 yards and 11 touchdowns. His breakout campaign came in 2024, when he hauled in 803 yards and five scores, flashing the kind of route-running polish and reliable hands that make him a quarterback's best friend in the slot.

Last year, however, saw his production dip to 566 yards as tight end Tyler Warren emerged as a primary target (106 targets). But with Warren's role now established and Michael Pittman headed to Pittsburgh, the receiving pecking order is shifting. Downs and fellow wideout Alec Pierce are poised to dominate targets in 2025, giving the Colts' offense a fresh dynamic.

General Manager Chris Ballard hasn't been shy about his confidence in Downs. "I think getting lost in this a little bit is ... Josh Downs," Ballard said recently. "I think Josh Downs is freaking good. I do. I've always thought he's good. I think allowing him some more opportunities, we're going to see some of the special stuff you've seen in the past, but more."

For a player entering a contract year, that kind of front-office belief is gold. And with a clear path to increased targets, Downs has every opportunity to turn that belief into a career-defining season—both for his team and his future.