Sliding Colts trade All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson to Seahawks for draft picks

The Indianapolis Colts have traded All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks, a person with knowledge of the deal told the Associated Press on Tuesday.

The person requested anonymity because the deal had not been announced by either team and said the Colts would receive a third-round draft pick and a fifth-round pick in return for the eight-time Pro Bowler.

Nelson can become a free agent in March, but he had not said much about his future plans because he was focused on finishing this season strong.

It’s the second major move in two weeks for Indianapolis (2-5), who have lost three straight and 12 of their past 14 overall. The Colts fired general manager Chris Ballard last week after a loss to the previously winless Tennessee Titans at home. Assistant general manager Ed Dodds has replaced Ballard for now.

Nelson was the No 6 overall pick in 2018 and joined linebacker Darius Leonard on the All-Pro team, making the duo the first rookie teammates to earn All-Pro honors since the Chicago Bears’ Gale Sayers and Dick Butkus in 1965. Nelson was an All-Pro from 2018 to 2020.

The Colts visit Jacksonville (4-2) on Sunday while the Seahawks (4-3) host Chicago (5-2) on Monday night.