The defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks have made a major move ahead of the trade deadline, acquiring eight-time Pro Bowl offensive guard Quenton Nelson from the Indianapolis Colts. In exchange for the veteran guard, Indianapolis receives a third-round draft pick and a future fifth-round selection.
The Colts entered the trade market as sellers following a 2-5 start to the season and the recent firing of general manager Chris Ballard. Interim general manager Ed Dodds, who worked in Seattle’s front office from 2007 to 2016 alongside Seahawks general manager John Schneider, facilitated the deal. According to reporting by The Ringer, Seattle will absorb the remaining $9.78 million on Nelson’s current contract.
Upgrading Seattle’s Interior Line
Selected sixth overall in the 2018 NFL Draft out of Notre Dame, Nelson earned eight consecutive Pro Bowl selections and three First Team All-Pro honors from 2018 through 2020. The veteran interior lineman has also demonstrated remarkable durability, having not missed a single game since the 2021 season.
Through seven games this season, Nelson has allowed six pressures and zero sacks while playing left guard, according to TruMedia data cited by CBS Sports Headlines. The move addresses a critical area of need for Seattle, whose interior offensive line has allowed the highest pressure rate in the NFL this season according to CBS Sports Research. Quarterback Sam Darnold was hit 17 times and sacked five times in a Week 6 overtime defeat to the Denver Broncos before being kept clean in a victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.
With Nelson stepping in at left guard, ESPN reports that the Seahawks are expected to move former first-round selection Grey Zabel over to right guard. Although Nelson is on an expiring contract, Seattle has a recent track record of trading for pending free agents and retaining them, as seen in previous midseason additions including defensive tackle Leonard Williams in 2023, linebacker Ernest Jones IV in 2024, and receiver Rashid Shaheed in 2025.
Seattle possessed the draft flexibility to execute the trade. Reporting from Adam Schefter indicates the Seahawks are expected to gain five compensatory picks in the upcoming draft after losing Kenneth Walker III, Tariq Woolen, Coby Bryant, and Boye Mafe in free agency. Seattle also secured an additional third-round choice after former assistant general manager Nolan Teasley was hired as the general manager of the Minnesota Vikings.
Rebuilding Direction for Indianapolis
For the Colts, parting with an elite player signals a shift toward rebuilding for the remainder of the 2026 campaign. The move could signal potential trade discussions involving other established players on the roster, such as running back Jonathan Taylor or defensive lineman DeForest Buckner. Indianapolis currently lacks its 2027 first-round draft pick after transferring it to the New York Jets in a previous deal for cornerback Sauce Gardner.
According to ESPN, the Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears, and Philadelphia Eagles had all expressed interest in acquiring Nelson before Seattle finalized the trade.
