The Indianapolis Colts made the biggest headlines in the NFL on Tuesday, trading two of their most recognisable players within hours of each other, according to the Chairshot’s NFL News Report for October 28 and BVM Sports’ trade coverage.
Eight-time Pro Bowl guard Quenton Nelson is headed to Seattle, while three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner is returning to San Francisco, signalling a significant change in direction for a franchise sitting at 2-5.
Nelson to Seattle
The Colts agreed to trade Nelson to the Seahawks for a 2027 third-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick, according to reports. Seattle is attempting to improve its offensive line after a statement victory over Kansas City, in which the Seahawks ended the Chiefs’ unbeaten start with a 20-3 win.
Nelson, one of the best guards of his generation, gives Seattle’s running game and pass protection an immediate upgrade. For Indianapolis, the return is draft capital — a sign the Colts are looking to the future rather than this season.
Buckner returns to San Francisco
Buckner’s return to the 49ers reinforces a defensive front severely depleted by injuries. San Francisco, which saw its own unbeaten start ended by Atlanta, needs help up front, and Buckner knows the organisation well from his first spell there.
Both trades strengthen NFC West contenders while providing Indianapolis with additional draft capital ahead of the November 10 trade deadline, according to the Chairshot report.
What it means
The Colts’ fire sale is the clearest signal yet that Indianapolis is resetting. Trading two Pro Bowl linemen in one day is not a tweak — it is a rebuild. For Seattle and San Francisco, both firmly in the playoff race, the additions could prove decisive in January. For the rest of the league, the message is clear: Indianapolis is open for business before the deadline.
