Seahawks trade 2027 and 2028 picks for Pro Bowl guard Quenton Nelson

The Seattle Seahawks acquired left guard Quenton Nelson from the Indianapolis Colts on Tuesday in a deal that includes a 2027 third-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick. The transaction is pending a physical and represents an immediate addition to the offensive line for the team that defeated the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.

Nelson, 30, has earned eight consecutive Pro Bowl selections and will likely play left guard, the position he has held since his time at Notre Dame. His arrival changes the interior line alignment, as it is expected to move Grey Zabel to right guard and place Anthony Bradford on the bench as a backup. Zabel, a 2025 first-round pick, can also play center, providing the coaching staff with additional depth options.

General Manager John Schneider made the move shortly after the Seahawks dismantled the previously undefeated Chiefs. The team had struggled in the previous six games, allowing 10 sacks of quarterback Sam Darnold in the last two losses. Adding a veteran presence aims to stabilize the front five and support a running game that has been inconsistent this season.

Schneider has a history of signing players on expiring contracts to long-term deals. He acquired Leonard Williams, Ernest Jones IV, and Rashid Shaheed on similar terms in recent years, and all three re-signed with Seattle for multiyear contracts. Nelson is in the final year of a four-year, $80 million deal and is projected to earn at least $20 million annually in his next contract.

The Seahawks currently sit outside a playoff position with a 4-3 record. The San Francisco 49ers hold a 2.5-game lead in the NFC West following a 32-29 victory at Lumen Field on October 11. Seattle has one remaining regular-season meeting with San Francisco on its schedule.

Offensive coordinator Brian Fleury has faced criticism from fans, and the team has dealt with turnovers and injury issues for running backs Zach Charbonnet and Jadarian Price. Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba remains the NFL’s leading receiver and is on pace to break Calvin Johnson’s single-season receiving yards record.

Fullback Brady Russell addressed the team's identity on Sunday, stating that the squad is not the same as last year but is the 2026 Seahawks. The defense held the Chiefs to 213 yards, the lowest total in a regular-season game started by Patrick Mahomes.