What happened: The New York Jets control Indianapolis' 2027 first-round selection while the Colts deal veteran starters ahead of the Nov. 10 NFL trade deadline, per Adam Schefter. Indianapolis agreed to send three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner back to the San Francisco 49ers for a 2027 fourth-round pick, per Ian Rapoport and Schefter. The deal follows the Colts trading six-time All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks for a 2027 third-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick.

Why it matters: Moving veteran cornerstones Buckner and Nelson for future mid-round selections strips immediate talent from an Indianapolis roster that recently fired general manager Chris Ballard. New York entered the 2026 season holding three 2027 first-round picks, and every additional Colts defeat improves the draft position of the selection New York holds. For San Francisco, re-acquiring the 2016 first-round pick it previously dealt to Indianapolis in 2020 addresses a defensive front ranking 24th in NFL pressure rate.

What to watch: Indianapolis prepares for a Week 9 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys while contenders monitor the availability of Colts running back Jonathan Taylor ahead of the Nov. 10 trade deadline.