Grading the Indianapolis Colts Trade Deadline Moves

The Indianapolis Colts have sent a clear signal about their future by dealing away multiple veterans for draft assets.

At 2-7 and riding a five-game losing streak, the front office spent the weeks leading up to the deadline turning expiring contracts into future capital while keeping core pieces like Jonathan Taylor in place. Indianapolis Colts laid out the complete ledger of these moves, giving the franchise’s approach a mixed grade as the rebuild kicks into gear.

Indianapolis Colts NFL Trade Deadline Grades Ft. Josh Downs, Quenton Nelson, Keenan Allen — Indianapolis Colts Talk by Chat Sports

Indianapolis Traded Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner for Mid-Round Picks

The most debated transaction remains the departure of guard Quenton Nelson. On November 30, 2025, Indianapolis sent the lineman to the Seattle Seahawks for a 2027 third-round pick and a 2028 fifth-rounder.

According to Spotrac via Alex Katson, Nelson is the only traded guard since 2011 to net a third-round selection. Even so, getting only mid-round compensation for one of the generation’s elite guards felt light to many observers.

Indianapolis' return of a 3rd and a 5th for Quenton Nelson is the most pure draft capital for a guard since at least 2011, per Spotrac. only 4 have netted a 4th: 2013: G. Carimi, 4th 2014: L. Mankins, 4th + player 2021: B. Bredeson + 5th + 7th, 4th 2025: J. Thuney, 4th

— Post by @alexkatson on X

DeForest Buckner brought back a 2027 fourth-round pick when he was traded to the 49ers. Buckner was on an expiring deal at 32 years old, making the return sensible for a roster looking far down the road.

Colts Received Draft Picks for Keenan Allen and Josh Downs

The Colts maximized value on several expiring agreements elsewhere on the roster. Indianapolis traded 34-year-old wide receiver Keenan Allen to the 49ers on November 8, 2026, receiving a 2027 sixth-round pick in return.

Grading the Indianapolis Colts Trade Deadline Moves

Josh Downs changed teams right before the deadline after requesting a move following the Nelson and Buckner exits. Indianapolis sent Downs and a 2027 seventh-rounder to the Kansas City Chiefs for 2027 fourth- and fifth-round picks.

Team Kept Jonathan Taylor and Daniel Jones on the Roster

Front office restraint defined what the team kept rather than what it sold. Multiple teams were reportedly willing to offer a second-round pick and more for running back Jonathan Taylor, but with Taylor under contract through 2028 and did not request a trade, the team held firm.

🚨 TRADE 🚨 pic.twitter.com/3Eyr5qyl0r

— Post by @Colts on X

Quarterback Daniel Jones stayed put as well. Jones has struggled this season, but Indianapolis reportedly told him before the deadline that he would not be moved.

On the defensive side, the franchise secured a key piece for the future by extending Adetomiwa Adebawore through 2028. Adebawore entered Week 9 leading NFL defensive tackles in both pressure rate and pass-rush win rate, giving the defense a foundational cornerstone.