Colts trade Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner sparks speculation on player destinations

The trades, announced on Tuesday, have led to speculation about where Jonathan Taylor, Josh Downs, Khalil Mack and others might land before the Nov. 10 deadline.

By Felo News Desk · Published Tue, 27 Oct 2026 23:26:14 GMT

The Indianapolis Colts announced Tuesday that they had traded guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks and defensive lineman DeForest Buckner to the San Francisco 49ers, according to Bleacher Report.

What happened

Nelson, a eight‑time Pro Bowl guard, was sent to Seattle in a deal that also involved a 2027 first‑round pick owned by the New York Jets, per ESPN’s Field Yates. Buckner, a three‑time Pro Bowler, was dealt to the 49ers for a 2027 fourth‑round pick, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Both moves were confirmed on Tuesday, the day before the league’s Nov. 10 trade deadline.

What the reports add

Bleacher Report’s coverage of the Nelson trade highlighted that the Jets own Indianapolis’s 2027 first‑round pick, making them the “sneaky winner” of the deal (Source 2, Source 4). The outlet also noted that the Jets acquired two first‑round picks from the Colts in a 2025 trade for cornerback Sauce Gardner, and that they will also receive the better first‑round selection from the Dallas Cowboys (Source 4).

Regarding Buckner’s move, Bleacher Report listed defensive linemen Khalil Mack and Josh Sweat as potential landing spots, citing teams such as the Chicago Bears, Buffalo Bills and Green Bay Packers for Mack, and noting the Los Angeles Chargers as a possible destination (Source 3). The article also mentioned that the trade could intensify speculation about Mack’s future, given his contract situation.

In a separate Bleacher Report piece, the outlet speculated on running back Jonathan Taylor and wide receiver Josh Downs, suggesting the New York Giants as a top destination for Taylor and noting the Giants’ recent offensive resurgence (Source 1). The piece also referenced the Colts’ three‑game losing streak as a catalyst for the “fire sale.”

What was said

Field Yates of ESPN was quoted as saying the Nelson trade “could be the first of multiple trades the Colts make for their quality veteran players as they look towards the future” (Source 2, Source 4). He also described the Jets as the “sneaky winner” because of their ownership of the 2027 first‑round pick (Source 2, Source 4).

Adam Schefter of ESPN was cited as confirming that Buckner was sent to San Francisco for a 2027 fourth‑round pick (Source 3).

How it came about

The Colts, sitting at 2‑5, have been in a rebuilding phase after a three‑game losing streak, prompting the front office to move veteran talent for future draft capital. Earlier Felo News coverage noted growing interest in the Colts’ roster moves, including a report on Oct. 25 that four teams were eyeing a potential Jonathan Taylor trade (see Four NFL teams reportedly eye Jonathan Taylor trade). The recent trades align with that broader strategy of accumulating picks and shedding high‑salary veterans.

Key facts

The Indianapolis Colts traded guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks on Tuesday. (bleacherreport.com)
The Colts traded defensive lineman DeForest Buckner to the San Francisco 49ers for a 2027 fourth‑round pick. (bleacherreport.com)
The New York Jets own Indianapolis’s 2027 first‑round pick, making them a beneficiary of the Nelson trade. (bleacherreport.com)
Speculation includes Jonathan Taylor potentially joining the New York Giants and Khalil Mack being linked to teams such as the Chicago Bears, Buffalo Bills and Green Bay Packers. (bleacherreport.com)