Seahawks acquire Pro Bowl guard Quenton Nelson as Colts continue rebuild
Seattle traded a third-round pick and a future fifth-rounder for Colts guard Quenton Nelson, while Indianapolis looks to move additional assets as it reshapes its roster.
Seattle added eight-time Pro Bowl offensive guard Quenton Nelson from Indianapolis in a deal that sent a third-round pick and a future fifth-round pick to the Colts. The move gives the defending Super Bowl champion a proven interior lineman as it seeks to improve protection for quarterback Sam Darnold, who has faced heavy pressure this season.
Nelson, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2018 draft, has allowed six pressures and no sacks in seven games, according to TruMedia. The Seahawks' offensive line, which ranked ninth by PFF entering Week 7, has struggled with interior pressure, prompting the team to consider shifting former first-round pick Grey Zabel to right guard.
Seattle will cover the remaining $9.78 million on Nelson’s contract, and analysts grade the trade as an “A” for the Seahawks, noting the franchise’s history of acquiring mid-season players on expiring deals and re-signing them.
For Indianapolis, the trade is part of a broader effort to offload veteran contracts as the team, now 2-5, looks to rebuild. Interim general manager Ed Dodds, a former Seattle scout, has facilitated the deal, which also opens the possibility of moving other players such as Jonathan Taylor or DeForest Buckner. The trade received a “C+” grade for the Colts, reflecting the loss of elite talent at a discount and signaling a shift toward future asset accumulation.