Indianapolis Makes Two Blockbuster Trades

Quenton Nelson To The Seahawks

The Indianapolis Colts sent their best offensive linemen up to the pacific northwest, joining the Seattle Seahawks. This makes too much sense on the side of Seattle, bolstering their offensive line which has been a weak spot so far this season. John Schneider once again gets an all-pro for next to nothing mid-season. The Nelson deal reminds me so much of the Leonard Williams deal a couple years ago, and we all see how that has worked out for Seattle. This immediately upgrades the line, and specifically the run game. Seattle currently ranks number 29 in rush EPA and 24 in rush success rate, adding Nelson will only improve those numbers dramatically. Pass protection also gets a big boost, with Nelson only giving up 6 pressures and 0 sacks this season so far.

DeForest Buckner To The Niners

The Colts weren’t done with the Nelson trade. Only a few hours later the Niners responded to the Seahawks by trading for Buckner and bolstering their defensive line. They already have a couple young guys playing, but adding Buckner gets them a proven veteran to help with the interior pass rush and run stop. They already rank number 1 in defense rush EPA but 20 in defense rush success rate. Buckner only adds to their already good play along the defensive line.

The Colts Side Of Things

When you look at these two trades, it makes sense to deal the two players from the Colts side. One an aging veteran and another a guard who’s on an expiring contract. They recently fired Ballard and will be searching for a new GMin the off season and having as many picks in the next two drafts makes this job more attractive for them to come in and get their guys. The value they got in return for both players can be questioned, but when it comes to mid-season trades the value is never going to align with the true value the player brings to the field. The biggest question that is warranted, is why now? They could have gotten both of these same picks two weeks from now but could have had a team with better looking draft position offer the same deals. Either way, I think the writing was on the wall for these two players to exit. The next thing to ask is, who’s next?