What happened: ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler listed Nelson among 11 players to watch entering the 2027 offseason. The Colts could still resume negotiations before their Sept. 13 opener.
Why it matters: A new deal could reset the interior-line market, with Tyler Linderbaum’s $27 million annual average the current benchmark. Peter Skoronski leads guards at $25 million per year, while a 2027 franchise tag for Nelson could cost Indianapolis $29 million to $30 million.
By the numbers: Nelson started all 17 games in 2025 and ranked fourth among 79 qualifying guards in Pro Football Focus grading. He has played 68 consecutive games and is entering his ninth NFL season.
What to watch: Watch whether Indianapolis and Quenton Nelson re-engage before Week 1. If no agreement comes, the contract question will carry into the 2027 offseason.