What happened: At age 30, Indianapolis Colts left guard Quenton Nelson remains a dominant run blocker and pass protector, though Indianapolis has little incentive to move him alongside core veterans Jonathan Taylor and DeForest Buckner unless its season collapses. Any contender inquiring before the deadline would have to weigh his elite on-field production against a contract that expires after the 2026 campaign.

Why it matters: NFL front offices rarely part with premium draft capital for interior offensive linemen who require immediate, high-salaried extensions. In March 2025, the Kansas City Chiefs netted just a 2026 fourth-round pick from the Chicago Bears for 32-year-old First-Team All-Pro guard Joe Thuney, who then signed a two-year, $35 million extension with Chicago. The Bears also acquired 28-year-old former Pro Bowl guard Jonah Jackson from the Los Angeles Rams that same offseason for a sixth-round selection after injuries reduced his value.

What to watch: Indianapolis will retain Nelson through the trade deadline barring an overwhelming offer or a steep slide out of contention. If no midseason deal or extension materializes, his long-term future with the franchise will rest on offseason contract negotiations ahead of free agency.