Colts trade Quenton Nelson to Seahawks for third- and fifth-round picks

The Indianapolis Colts agreed Tuesday to trade left guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks. Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport broke the deal, and the Colts confirmed it on their own account with a thank-you post to Nelson.

Here is what is confirmed. Seattle sends a 2027 third-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick to Indianapolis, according to Schefter and Tom Pelissero. Nelson, an eight-time Pro Bowler, is on an expiring deal. Pelissero says the Seahawks owe him the remaining $9.777 million for 2026, and he is set to hit free agency in March.

The Colts chose picks now over a compensatory pick later. Mike Garafolo noted that losing Nelson in free agency would have brought back a pick that wouldn't arrive until 2028.

For Seattle, Nelson slots in at left guard. Schefter says that lets the Seahawks move Gray Zabel to right guard, where he played in college. Rapoport framed the move as a boost for the run game and for protecting Sam Darnold.

Indianapolis may not be done. Pelissero and Rapoport both describe the Colts as open for business, and Jordan Schultz says they are actively shopping defensive tackle DeForest Buckner. Schefter named Josh Downs as a player who could end up being traded, and Rapoport said Downs has been the subject of trade talks. Schefter also said Colts ownership does not want to trade Jonathan Taylor.

What RSO owners should do now

Nelson isn't a fantasy asset, so nothing changes on your roster directly. The effect runs through the offenses. A stronger interior line is a modest plus for Seattle's running backs and for Darnold in superflex formats. Hold your Seahawks pieces and nudge them up slightly.

On the Colts side, a team selling veterans usually means a tougher stretch for its offense. If you roster Downs, keep him. A trade could land him a bigger role or a worse one, and there is no deal yet. Taylor owners can relax for now given the ownership stance.

What to watch next

Watch for a Buckner or Downs deal before the deadline, and whether Seattle works out an extension with Nelson before March.