Richard Sherman Shares Honest Take On Seattle Seahawks’ Trade For Quenton Nelson

Former Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman shared his thoughts© X/@BrownsNationcom

The Seattle Seahawks wanted to fix their offensive line before the NFL trade deadline, and Quenton Nelson gave them a proven option. But bringing an eight-time Pro Bowl guard into an established lineup came with a decision to make. Former Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman backed the move, pointing to what Nelson could bring to Seattle's running game and locker room. On his podcast, Sherman praised the veteran's ability while raising a practical question about where the new arrival would play.

What Richard Sherman said about Quenton Nelson

Seattle sent the Indianapolis Colts a 2027 third-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick to land Nelson on October 27. The deal gave the reigning Super Bowl champions another experienced blocker as they looked to improve an offense that had struggled to run the ball consistently.

Sherman saw the value in the move, especially with Seattle trying to get more from its ground attack. “That's why you trade for a guy like Quenton Nelson and substantially improve this run game by adding a Pro Bowl, All-Pro-type player like him to the offensive line,” he said on The Richard Sherman Podcast.

Quenton Nelson brings an IMMEDIATE impact to Seattle—in the run game AND the culture. ???? @RSherman_25 breaks down the Seahawks' new addition. Week 8 Predictions drop tomorrow at 10 AM PT on the Richard Sherman Podcast! https://t.co/0xCUOAifMm #Seahawks #QuentonNelson https://t.co/AvD477vnng

— Richard Sherman Podcast (@RShermanPodcast) October 28, 2026

His praise came with one question. Nelson had played left guard throughout his NFL career, but Grey Zabel already occupied that spot for Seattle. Sherman wondered whether the Seahawks would move Nelson to right guard, shift Zabel across the line or consider using Zabel at center.

“I don't know if you can do that. I'm not sure if that's an option,” Sherman said, acknowledging the challenge of rearranging the unit during the season.”But it's going to be really interesting. It's going to be a talented offensive line for sure.”

Quenton Nelson brings leadership to an injured Seahawks line

The Seahawks had another reason to strengthen their protection. Left tackle Charles Cross suffered a high ankle sprain against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, leaving Seattle without one of its leading offensive linemen for an unknown period.

Sherman believed Nelson could help beyond his work on the field. He credited Zabel with changing the offensive line's culture and expected the veteran guard to build on that progress.

“He's going to have a big impact, not only on making plays but culturally,” Sherman said, describing Nelson as an old-school lineman who played with toughness and grit.

“Between Nelson and the impending returns of running backs Jadarian Price and Zach Charbonnet, there's no reason Seattle's run game shouldn't improve after an underwhelming start to the season, which includes a 3.9 yards-per-carry average that ranks 23rd through seven games,”ESPN reported.