Colts Trade All-Pro Guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks

On October 27, 2026, the Indianapolis Colts sent eight-time Pro Bowl guard Quenton Nelson to the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks. Indianapolis received a 2027 third-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick. The trade was confirmed by multiple outlets and marked the first major move in the Colts’ roster overhaul.

Grading the trade: Indianapolis Colts begin the fire sale after sending franchise pillar Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks WRTV - Indianapolis NewsNew York PostSeahawks’ & Colts’ updated list of draft picks after Quenton Nelson trade Bleacher ReportSeahawks acquiring Quenton Nelson in trade with Colts Fox News (website)KNTV - NBC Bay AreaBleacher ReportColts trade G Quenton Nelson to Seattle Seahawks for 2 future NFL Draft picks

The Colts entered the 2026 season 2-5 and had just fired GM Chris Ballard, naming assistant Ed Dodds interim GM. Nelson, the No. 6 overall pick in 2018, had been the offensive line’s anchor for nine seasons. His contract expires after 2026, and the team opted for draft capital rather than risk losing him in free agency.

Colts Trade Quenton Nelson to Seattle as the Rebuild Officially B...

Seattle, 4-3, has struggled to run the ball, averaging 113.7 rushing yards per game. Injuries to backs Zach Charbonnet and rookie Jadarian Price have worsened the issue. Nelson, who allowed no sacks and only six pressures in 275 pass-blocking snaps this season, is expected to strengthen the interior line.

Newsweek

• Nelson’s 2026 performance: 0 sacks allowed, 6 pressures, 275 pass-blocking snaps, PFF grade 85.7 (3rd among guards).

Seahawks Land Quenton Nelson in Massive Midseason Trade With Colts

• Seahawks’ line: 21st in pass-block win rate (46.8%); 10 sacks and 26 QB hits allowed through Week 7.

ESPN

• Colts’ record: 2-5, 12 losses in the last 14 games.

Seahawks’ & Colts’ updated list of draft picks after Quenton Nelson trade

• Compensation: 2027 third-round pick; 2028 fifth-round pick.

Colts trade G Quenton Nelson to Seattle Seahawks for 2 future NFL Draft picks

Colleen Irsay-Gordon said the trade “makes sense” given the team’s “urgency” and the need to “begin the important work now.” Ed Dodds, who previously worked for Seattle, facilitated the deal.

Colts just made a Quenton Nelson trade that would get any GM fired (with a catch)

• “I think the players that could be on the move for the Colts are DeForest Buckner, Josh Downs, and Grover Stewart,” — Adam Schefter

Newsweek

• “Compensation update: The Seahawks are sending a 2027 third-round pick and 2028 fifth-round round pick to the Colts in exchange for Quenton Nelson,” — Adam Schefter

Seahawks’ & Colts’ updated list of draft picks after Quenton Nelson trade

The NFL trade deadline is November 10. Schefter indicated that defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, wide receiver Josh Downs, and nose tackle Grover Stewart could be next on Indianapolis’ trade list. Seattle may shift first-round pick Grey Zabel from left guard to right guard to accommodate Nelson and will decide on a contract extension after the season. The trade underscores Indianapolis’ focus on draft assets and Seattle’s push to solidify its line for another Super Bowl run.

Newsweek