The Indianapolis Colts have traded eight-time Pro Bowl guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for a third-round draft pick and a fifth-round draft pick, a source close to the discussions told the Associated Press on Tuesday.
Colts Trade Nelson Amid Losing Streak
The source, who requested anonymity because the trade has not yet been officially announced by the teams, outlined the draft compensation heading to Indianapolis. Nelson could become an unrestricted free agent in March, though he had not discussed his future publicly while focusing on the current season.
This transaction marks the second major transaction in as many weeks for the Colts. Indianapolis holds a 2-5 record following three consecutive losses, dropping 12 of their last 14 games overall. The organization fired general manager Chris Ballard last week in the wake of a home loss to the Tennessee Titans, a team that entered that matchup without a victory this season. Assistant general manager Ed Dodds stepped in to replace Ballard on an interim basis.
Nelson Earned Pro Bowl Honors as Rookie
Nelson entered the league as the sixth overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft out of Notre Dame. As a rookie, he earned Pro Bowl honors alongside teammate Darius Leonard. That feat marked the first time since 1965—when Chicago Bears legends Gale Sayers and Dick Butkus accomplished it—that rookie teammates both secured Pro Bowl selections. Nelson maintained that elite status by earning Pro Bowl selections from 2018 through 2020.
Upcoming Schedule Implications
The struggling Colts prepare to face the Jacksonville Jaguars (4-2) on the road in Florida on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Seahawks (4-3) return to action to host the Chicago Bears (5-2) on Monday night football.
More on Quenton Nelson
Trade: Colts have agreed to send eight-time Pro-Bowl guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks, per me and @rapsheet. 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.But an all-time Colt now… pic.twitter.com/uKlAEYkPnZ
Trade: The #Colts are sending eight-time Pro-Bowl guard Quenton Nelson to the #Seahawks, per @AdamSchefter and me. Nelson is on an expiring contract and the Colts get back draft capital now before they could lose him in free agency. A Colts legend goes to the champs. pic.twitter.com/wojb1WTaVN
Trade! The Colts are sending eight-time Pro Bowl guard Quenton Nelson to the Seahawks for a 2027 third-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick, sources tell @ringer @netflixsports. pic.twitter.com/O1EN6vHWSF
Compensation update; The Seahawks are sending a 2027 third-round pick and 2028 fifth-round round pick to the Colts in exchange for Quenton Nelson. https://t.co/17B0bR47yV
We have acquired a 2027 third-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick from the @Seahawks in exchange for Quenton Nelson. pic.twitter.com/XPC7QM7Nvg
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