Colts Break Up Core, Dealing Buckner And Nelson In One Day
The Indianapolis Colts dismantled a significant part of their roster on Tuesday, agreeing to separate trades that sent defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the San Francisco 49ers and guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks. The moves, completed within hours of each other, mark the opening wave of activity ahead of the Nov. 10 NFL trade deadline.
San Francisco sent a 2027 fourth-round pick to Indianapolis for Buckner, returning the 32-year-old to the franchise that drafted him seventh overall in 2016. Buckner has recorded four sacks, eight quarterback hits and 31 combined tackles in seven games this season and is on an expiring contract, set to reach free agency after the year. The Seahawks, meanwhile, acquired Nelson - an eight-time Pro Bowler and six-time All-Pro - for a 2027 third-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick. squash bets
Both deals come after a difficult start to the season for Indianapolis that led to the firing of general manager Chris Ballard. The 49ers, who finished last season with a league-low 20 sacks and rank tied for 20th in the league with 15 sacks this year, are banking on Buckner to pair with Nick Bosa - expected back at some point this season from a calf injury - to rebuild their pass rush as the team looks toward a deep postseason push. Seattle, for its part, adds Nelson to shore up protection for quarterback Sam Darnold and stabilize an offensive line behind an inconsistent rushing attack through seven weeks.
For Indianapolis, the return reflects the early stages of a rebuild without a first-round pick to work with, prioritizing draft capital over retaining established veterans. More trades are expected across the league in the days ahead, with indications that the Colts may not be finished moving pieces before the deadline arrives.
