Just days before their Week 8 matchup, the Jacksonville Jaguars got the news that the Indianapolis Colts traded All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks in return for a couple draft picks. Without Nelson, the Jags could have a favorable matchup on defense in the upcoming divisional bout.
On the other hand, trading Nelson shows that Indy is indeed holding a fire sale after firing general manager Chris Ballard. Given that he was one of their building blocks, it's fair to assume that no player is off limits. And if that's the case, Jacksonville needs to make an aggressive push for defensive tackle DeForest Buckner.
Although this isn't the first time a trade for Buckner has been suggested, it was uncertain whether the Colts would really be open to moving him. Trading Nelson shows that they are.
The Jaguars may have trouble trading for Quenton Nelson (but need to try)
The biggest roadblock the Jags are facing in acquiring Quenton Nelson is that intradivision teams are rare. Then again, they do happen from time to time. One that comes to mind took place in 2025 when Jacksonville sent wide receiver Christian Kirk to the divisional foe Houston Texans.
This doesn't mean that the Colts will trade Bucker to the Jags, but the possibility most definitely exists. Heck, they may not be interested in where the player lands but rather in the compensation they're going to get in return.
Buckner has $7.94 million left on his base salary this season and is slated to become a free agent in 2027. Whoever trades for him (if it happens) will get a one-year rental or will have to extend him next season. In Jacksonville's case, the former scenario would be the most likely.
Keep in mind that Buckner is frustrated with Indy, noting after the loss to the Tennessee Titans and one week later against the Minnesota Vikings that it's been the same song year in and year out. He would most likely welcome a change of scenery with arms wide open and would get it with the Jaguars.
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What would it cost the Jaguars to acquire DeForest Buckner?
A first-round pick of the San Francisco 49ers in 2016, DeForest Buckner landed with the Colts in 2020. He's been highly productive for both teams, registering 683 total tackles, nine forced fumbles, 31 passes defensed, and 75.5 sacks. However, the former Oregon Duck is close to turning 33. When you factor in that he's in the last year of his current contract, the Jaguars may be able to get him for a third, maybe even a fourth.
Heck, Jacksonville could offer a fifth and a fourth for Bucker, and Indy may cave. But even if the Colts are asking for a third, the Jags need to pull the trigger. Their defensive line has left much to be desired this season. The grizzled veteran may be able to give the group a spark, especially when you take into account that he would be reuniting with Arik Armstead, who was his teammate with the Niners and the Ducks.
Simply put, the Jaguars have not much to lose. Not only would they be weakening the Colts if they traded for Buckner but would also increase their odds of making a deep playoff push.
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