Overview
- The Colts traded Pro Bowl guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks Tuesday for a 2027 third‑round pick and a 2028 fifth‑round pick.
- Hours after the Nelson deal, Indianapolis sent defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the San Francisco 49ers for a 2027 fourth‑round pick, marking two confirmed deadline trades.
- Both Nelson and Buckner are on expiring contracts, which helped keep the returns to modest mid‑round picks and set a lower market price for other Colts veterans.
- Insiders expect more moves before the Nov. 10 deadline, with wide receiver Josh Downs reported to have requested a trade while coach Shane Steichen said running back Jonathan Taylor has not asked to be moved.
- The Colts’ shift follows the October firing of GM Chris Ballard and aims to rebuild via draft capital, a strategy that directly benefits teams holding Indianapolis’ picks such as the New York Jets.