The Indianapolis Colts, at 2-5 and with a new general manager, became obvious sellers ahead of the Nov. 10 trade deadline. Although the Colts aren't turning to a fire sale just yet, they made their first big move under interim GM Ed Dodds.
The Colts traded starting left guard Quenton Nelson, a 30-year-old 8-time Pro Bowler to the Seahawks for a couple of future draft picks (a third-rounder and a fifth-rounder) on Tuesday. Nelson's move wasn't a surprise as Indianapolis officials weren't expecting to re-sign the 2027 pending free agent.
While Nelson will go help Seattle improve its struggling rushing attack starting at the other guard spot opposite second-year star Grey Zabel, the Colts have lost one of the league's best interior run blockers. The big question is, what does this mean for the Colts' biggest star and trade commodity, running back Jonathan Taylor?
Taylor, along with defensive tackles DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart, now have it on notice that trade rumors involving them can come to fruition. Here is a look at Nelson's direct impact on Taylor, whether he's staying in or leaving Indy.
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Jonathan Taylor isn't traded: He's less productive right away
The Colts have a strong left tackle, Bernhard Raimann, but have some issues at the other four offensive line spots. Raimann will no longer be flanked on the left side by Nelson, but rather it's a rookie, fourth-rounder Jalen Farmer. Farmer, center Tanor Bortolini and right guard Matt Goncalves will be exposed a lot more. Nelson's athleticism and physicality won't be masking their deficiencies. The right tackle, Jalen Travis, also has struggled as a second-year fourth-rounder.
Taylor is the Colts' only stable source of offense with Daniel Jones returning to his turnover-prone days with the Giants. Taylor has had great chemistry running behind Nelson for the past seven-plus seasons. There will be a real dropoff in his rushing efficiency and success.
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Jonathan Taylor is traded: Does he follow Nelson to the Seahawks?
Acquiring Nelson at midseason means he carries around a $9.8 million cap hit based on the fact he's still owed 61 percent of his salary or 2026. Taylor is making around the same as Nelson, with a $16 million-plus cap hit. Should the Colts wait until right before the deadline to deal Taylor, he would cost $7.5 million in cap space for his new team.
In theory, the Seahawks can make it work, given they would need to cut two players to add Nelson and Taylor on the roster. But Seattle can see Nelson as the missing piece for their new-look rushing attack and stand pat. Meanwhile, Taylor would fit better in Minnesota as both Aaron Jones Sr. and Jordan Mason have battled injuries this season.
With the Colts about to see a drop in Taylor's production, moving Nelson makes it more feasible that they would also move Taylor for multiple later-round draft picks in lieu of a first-rounder.
