The Indianapolis Colts officially launched a fire sale on Tuesday after trading away two star players – DeForest Buckner and Quenton Nelson – within hours of each other.
Guard Nelson went first, to the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks, before defensive tackle Buckner was sent back to the San Francisco 49ers after they traded him to Indianapolis in 2020.
It comes just over a week after Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon finally axed Chris Ballard, the team’s beleaguered general manager. Assistant general manager Ed Dodds has replaced Ballard for now.
As they look to acquire future draft picks for a much-needed rebuild, other Colts stars up for grabs could include star running back Jonathan Taylor.
In exchange for Nelson, the Seahawks are sending a 2027 third-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round selection to Indianapolis.
In return for Buckner, the 49ers are trading a 2027 fourth-round pick to the Colts.
DeForest Buckner was sent back to the San Francisco 49ers, who sent him to the Colts in 2020
The Colts also agreed to trade guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks earlier Tuesday
Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon finally fired GM Chris Ballard last week afteryears of struggle
49ers star George Kittle was delighted by the news of Buckner’s impending return, posting a picture of the pair of them with teammate Kyle Juszczyk at the Pro Bowl and writing: ‘THE BOYS ARE BACK.’
The 30-year-old Nelson, an eight-time Pro Bowl selection, can become a free agent in March but did not offer much about his future plans were because he was focused on finishing this season strong.
As well as sending draft picks to Indianapolis, the Seahawks are taking on Nelson’s $9.7 million salary. They will also have to negotiate a new long-term contract with him.
Nelson was the No. 6 overall pick in 2018 and joined linebacker Darius Leonard on the All-Pro team.
They were the first rookie teammates to earn All-Pro honors since former Chicago Bears teammates Gale Sayers and Dick Butkus in 1965. Nelson was an All-Pro from 2018 to 2020.
The deal continues a great few days for the Seahawks after Mike Macdonald’s team returned to form with a dominant 20-3 win over the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night.
The Colts visit Jacksonville on Sunday while the Seahawks host Chicago on Monday night.
