The NFL trade deadline is two weeks away, but the action has already started. The first major in-season trade happened Tuesday, with the Indianapolis Colts sending perennial All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks.
Nelson, 30, is on the way to the Pacific Northwest, with a 2027 third-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick going back to Indy. In the meantime, the NFL media is speculating on what the next moves will be around the league.
With the Colts at 2-5 and seemingly open for business, many reporters expect running back Jonathan Taylor, defensive tackle DeForest Buckner and others to be on their way out of Indianapolis in the coming weeks.
It also seems clear that the defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks–4-3 and two games behind the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC West–are gearing up for a run at the division.
"League wide expectation is the #49ers will respond next after the #Seahawks acquisition of Quenton Nelson. The NFC West is about to heat up in a big way," said NFL insider Jordan Schultz .
"Seahawks' trade for G Quenton Nelson—with a 2027 third-rounder and 2028 fifth-rounder going back—makes the Seattle OL a pretty overwhelming strength now," noted MMQB's Albert Breer . "John Schneider and Ed Dodds are close from their time working together, so logical partners. Nelson's in a contract year."
"If you're trading Quenton Nelson for a third and a fifth two weeks out from the trade deadline, then I think you are in FULL fire sale mode. I don't think it's terrible compensation or anything. Just mean they aren't hesitating. Feels like the Colts are all in," added ESPN Colts reporter Stephen Holder .
"49ers don't typically prioritize the guard position. I wish Nelson wasn't going to the Seahawks, but I'm not surprised he's not heading to SF. Expect something (Buckner?) from the Niners soon though," chimed in 49ers writer Al Sacco .
"I can't believe the #Colts traded Quenton Nelson. Not because of the compensation or anything, it's pretty obvious they wanted to do right by Nelson while netting any capital in return. Just crazy how things are so bleak that trading away a Hall of Famer makes sense," said Colts on SI writer Noah Compton .
An eight-time Pro Bowler, Nelson, 30, is still an elite player. He was a second-team All-Pro each of the last two seasons after earning three straight first-team nods from 2018-20.
A durable performer–he's missed just four regular season games in his career–Nelson is a free agent at the end of the season. He'll now look to improve a Seattle rushing attack that is averaging only 3.9 yards per carry on the season, as well as provide protection for quarterback Sam Darnold in the passing game.
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