Colts Trade Quenton Nelson to Seahawks as Roster Rebuild Begins

The Indianapolis Colts agreed to trade eight-time Pro Bowl guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks on 27 October 2026 for a 2027 third-round draft pick and a 2028 fifth-round selection, according to ESPN insider Adam Schefter, who reported the agreement alongside NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Schefter explained the decision in a statement reproduced by Sports Illustrated: “Nelson is on an expiring contract and the Colts are opting to get back draft capital now before they could lose him in free agency.”

Colts Move Nelson After Difficult Start

Indianapolis entered the week with a 2-5 record following its Week 7 defeat and the dismissal of general manager Chris Ballard. Personnel director Ed Dodds is overseeing roster decisions alongside team ownership.

Nelson, 30, carries a $16 million base salary for 2026. His departure removes an established interior blocker from the offensive line protecting quarterback Daniel Jones.

According to Seattle Sports, Nelson was selected sixth overall from Notre Dame in 2018. He has missed just four regular-season games during his career and earned three first-team and three second-team All-Pro selections.

Why Seattle Wanted Nelson

Sports Illustrated reported that starting right guard Anthony Bradford has missed multiple weeks with hip and knee injuries, leaving Seattle seeking offensive-line reinforcement.

The acquisition also comes as the Seahawks anticipate the return of running backs Zach Charbonnet and Jadarian Price, according to the New York Post.

Nelson’s arrival could strengthen the blocking available to Seattle’s rushing attack.