Quenton Nelson trade grades: Seahawks add eight-time Pro Bowler, while Colts look to sell pieces

The reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks made a splashy move ahead of the trade deadline, as they acquired former Indianapolis Colts eight-time Pro Bowl offensive guard Quenton Nelson for a third-round pick and a future fifth-round pick.

The 2-5 Colts were thought to be sellers ahead of the trade deadline, having already fired general manager Chris Ballard. Interim general manager Ed Dodds has a relationship with Seahawks general manager John Schneider, as he worked in Seattle from 2007-2016 as a scout and senior personnel executive. The Colts have a couple of intriguing trade pieces on expiring deals, including Nelson, who now finds himself on a contender. According to The Ringer, Seattle will pay the remaining $9.78 million on Nelson's deal.

The former No. 6 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft out of Notre Dame has long been regarded as one of the best offensive guards in the NFL, having earned eight straight Pro Bowl nods and three First Team All-Pro selections from 2018-2020. Not only is Nelson effective at protecting quarterbacks from interior pass rushers, but he's also incredibly durable, having not missed a game since the 2021 season.

Let's attempt to grade this massive trade.

In seven…

Original source: https://www.cbssports.com/