Should the Carolina Panthers be looking to add another weapon for quarterback Bryce Young?

Well, Steven Ruiz of FOX Sports believes so—as he links the reigning NFC South champs to Indianapolis Colts wideout Josh Downs. Ruiz, who recently listed five deals he wants to see ahead of next week's trade deadline, suggests that Carolina could use a different type of threat in their passing attack:

The Panthers need more pass protection, but a receiver like Downs, who can get open quickly, can help a quarterback just as much. And Downs can be more than a pressure release valve for Bryce Young. He’s a twitchy route runner and an explosive athlete who, despite his smaller frame, can be difficult to press. That would give Carolina another answer to beat man coverage.

Outside the duo of Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker, the Panthers currently don't have much to work with at the receiver position. The Panthers had hoped that the No. 3 spot in the pecking order would be seized by either 2026 third-round pick Chris Brazzell II or 2024 first-rounder Xavier Legette—but the former went down for the season during training camp and the latter has been sidelined since Week 3.

Downs, who has reportedly requested a trade from the Colts, could provide a boost to this suddenly-struggling Carolina offense. Here in 2026, the University of North Carolina product has reeled in 30 catches for 330 yards and a touchdown through eight games.

Ruiz opines that Downs can be had in exchange for Carolina's pair of 2027 fourth-round picks.