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NFL·TRADE·October 27, 2026 12:55 PM ET

Seahawks add Colts guard Quenton Nelson to curb Sam Darnold's turnovers under pressure

Eight-time Pro Bowler joins Seattle ahead of Week 8.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 58m1 min read
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The defending Super Bowl champions have to better protect Sam Darnold so the quarterback can avoid turnovers that come f Via @WerderEdNFL on X

What happened: Indianapolis agreed to deal six-time All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson to Seattle in exchange for draft compensation, per Ian Rapoport and Adam Schefter. Ed Werder noted the defending Super Bowl champions prioritized interior line help so quarterback Sam Darnold can cut down on giveaways when pocket pressure mounts.

Why it matters: Nelson plays on an expiring contract and departs Indianapolis a week after the franchise fired general manager Chris Ballard. Personnel chief Ed Dodds, who worked in Seattle's front office from 2007 to 2016, executed the deal as his first major move while Indianapolis shops veteran contracts ahead of the deadline.

By the numbers: Nelson holds an 85.7 PFF grade, ranking second among NFL guards this season. Seattle sits eighth in the conference at 4-3 following a 20-3 win over Kansas City on Oct. 25, while Indianapolis ranks 12th at 2-5 on a three-game skid after a 16-10 loss at Minnesota.

What to watch: Nelson steps into the Seahawks lineup for Week 8, while the Colts continue fielding trade inquiries ahead of a Week 9 home matchup against Dallas.

Sources

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