Quenton Nelson in Seattle: where he fits on the Seahawks' line, why the Colts' return drew criticism and what's next

The trade is done on paper. Now the arguments begin. A day after the Indianapolis Colts sent Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks for a 2027 third-round pick and a 2028 fifth-rounder, pending a physical, the conversation has moved to three questions. Did Indianapolis sell too cheap? Where will Nelson line up in Seattle? And how long will he stay there?

Yesterday’s post covered the trade itself. This one looks at the reaction and what comes next.

Where Nelson fits on Seattle’s line

Nelson has played left guard for his whole career: 136 games, plus eight snaps at left tackle in 2020, according to Seattle Sports. But Seattle already has a left guard in Grey Zabel, its first-round pick last year, who has started all 27 of his NFL games there, including the playoffs.

CBS Sports, citing ESPN, says the likely answer is to move Zabel to right guard. That spot has been a weak point, and Anthony Bradford would likely leave the starting lineup. Former NFL quarterback Brock Huard said on Seattle Sports that Zabel is the more natural athlete to flip sides, though he added the decision would be up to the team.

There’s another complication. Seattle Sports reports that left tackle Charles Cross is expected to miss time with a high-ankle sprain from Sunday’s win over the Chiefs. Huard expects veteran swing tackle Josh Jones to fill in there rather than Zabel.

Why Seattle wanted him

CBS Sports says the Seahawks’ interior line has allowed the highest pressure rate in the NFL this season, citing CBS Sports Research. Quarterback Sam Darnold was hit 17 times and sacked five times in a Week 6 overtime loss to Denver. Nelson, by contrast, has allowed six pressures and no sacks in seven games, per TruMedia numbers cited by CBS.

CBS gave Seattle an A for the deal and Indianapolis a C+.

Did the Colts sell too cheap?

That’s the main criticism. On the “PREGAME” show, former Pro Bowl receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh said he was “mad” when he saw the return. “It’s like the rich get richer,” he said, according to Pro Football Network. “A third-round pick? A third and a fifth. Crazy.”

CBS asked whether Indianapolis could have gotten more by waiting until closer to the Nov. 10 trade deadline. ESPN reported that the Packers, Bears and Eagles had also shown interest in Nelson. CBS also noted a link between the two front offices: Colts interim general manager Ed Dodds worked in Seattle from 2007 to 2016 under Seahawks GM John Schneider.

The Colts’ side of the argument is the calendar. Indianapolis is 2-5, recently fired general manager Chris Ballard, and doesn’t own its 2027 first-round pick, which went to the Jets in last year’s Sauce Gardner trade.

Nelson’s contract and what happens after 2026

Nelson is in the final year of the four-year, $80 million extension he signed in 2022, Pro Football Network reports. Seattle takes on the remaining $9.78 million of his salary this season (CBS, citing The Ringer).

That makes him a possible rental. But CBS points out that Seattle has re-signed midseason pickups on expiring deals before, including Rashid Shaheed last year. If Nelson leaves in free agency, Seattle could get a compensatory pick, depending on the formula. Adam Schefter also noted that Seattle already projects to have five compensatory picks in the next draft.

A farewell to Indianapolis

Nelson had talked about his feelings for the city as trade rumors grew earlier this month. “I love it here. I met my wife here. Really appreciate and love this organization,” he said, as quoted by Heavy. ESPN Colts reporter Stephen Holder called him “one of the best players I’ve ever seen up close,” and recalled former coach Frank Reich calling Nelson the best pulling guard he had ever seen.

What’s next

The Seahawks (4-3) face the Chicago Bears in Week 8 on Monday Night Football, Pro Football Network notes. That could be Nelson’s first game for Seattle if he passes his physical. In Indianapolis, defensive tackle Grover Stewart is among the veterans mentioned as possible trade candidates. No deal involving him has been reported.

FAQ

Earlier coverage: Colts trade Quenton Nelson to Seahawks for two draft picks; NFL trade deadline is Nov. 10 (Oct 27)