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Seahawks Trade for Pro Bowl Guard Quenton Nelson
· Confirmed
In Short: The Seattle Seahawks made a significant move ahead of the trade deadline, acquiring Pro Bowl guard Quenton Nelson from the Indianapolis Colts for a third-round pick and a future fifth-round pick, according to multiple reports.
The Seattle Seahawks made a significant move ahead of the trade deadline, acquiring Pro Bowl guard Quenton Nelson from the Indianapolis Colts for a third-round pick and a future fifth-round pick, according to multiple reports. The trade was confirmed by ESPN, CBS Sports, and Sports Illustrated.
Nelson, who was selected sixth overall in the 2018 NFL Draft, has been a cornerstone of the Colts' offensive line, earning eight Pro Bowl selections and three first-team AP All-Pro honors in his career. He has been a model of durability, not missing a game since the 2021 season.
The Seahawks' offensive line has struggled this season, particularly on the interior, where they have allowed the highest pressure rate in the NFL, according to CBS Sports Research. Nelson's addition is expected to bolster the unit, which has allowed six pressures and zero sacks in seven games this season, per TruMedia.
Interim general manager Ed Dodds, who previously worked in the Seahawks' front office from 2007 to 2016, played a key role in the trade. Dodds and Seahawks general manager John Schneider overlapped for seven seasons, which may have facilitated the deal.
Nelson's contract with the Colts was set to expire at the end of the season, but the Seahawks have a history of trading for expiring deals and re-signing players. The team will need to manage their cap space, which stands at just over $13.4 million, according to OvertheCap.com.
The Colts, led by new interim GM Ed Dodds, were reportedly considering trading away players like Nelson due to the uncertain situation following GM Chris Ballard's firing. ESPN reported that the Colts showed interest in trading Nelson, along with other players, to prepare for the future.
In a statement, Nelson expressed his appreciation for his time in Indianapolis, where he met his wife and formed lasting friendships. However, the trade signals a new chapter for the 30-year-old guard, who will now join the defending Super Bowl champions.
The Seahawks' move to acquire Nelson could spark an arms race in the NFC West, as the team looks to strengthen their potent offense. Last year, the Seahawks used their first-round pick on left guard Grey Zabel, a move that contributed to their Super Bowl victory.
What's confirmed
- ESPN reports the Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears and Philadelphia Eagles all showed interest in Nelson prior to Tuesday.
- The reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks made a splashy move ahead of the trade deadline, as they acquired former Indianapolis Colts eight-time Pro Bowl offensive guard Quenton Nelson for a third-round pick and a future fifth-round pick.
- The 30-year-old Nelson was set to hit free agency this offseason.
- The Seattle Seahawks have traded for guard Quenton Nelson, according to Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport.
What's still developing
- Not only is Nelson effective at protecting quarterbacks from interior pass rushers, but he's also incredibly durable, having not missed a game since the 2021 season.
- As recently as the weekend, the wife of running back Jonathan Taylor said her family is on " a Colts transaction watch, " signaling Taylor and other players are aware of the current uncertain situation in Indianapolis.
- It would be understandable for the Colts to trade away players like Buckner, Downs, and Stewart if they can land good returns.
- In terms of compensation, it’s really a drop in the bucket.
- I read the news online and thought "didn't SSJ say this exact thing?".
- Regarding his time in Indianapolis, he said, "I love it here. Met my wife here. Really appreciate and love this organization. It's been a long career here and made a lot of friendships and bonds here that I don't take for granted."