With the November 10 deadline just around the corner, teams have begun to make deals. And just days before the Jacksonville Jaguars are set to face the Indianapolis Colts, the news broke that their dreaded divisional foe just traded All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that Indy sent Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks in return for a 2027 third-round pick and a fifth-rounder in 2028. Other outlets have since confirmed the news.
With the trade, the Colts are signaling that they're starting a rebuild after dismissing general manager Chris Ballard in October. The news directly affects the Jags because they won't have to worry about Nelson when they play Indianapolis at EverBank Stadium in Week 8.
The Jaguars won't have to deal with Quenton Nelson any time soon
Already, the Jaguars were a 7.5-point favorite in Week 8. Not having to deal with Quenton Nelson just increased their odds of coming out on top.
A first-round pick of the Colts in 2018, Nelson has earned First-Team All-Pro honors three times in his career and been a Second-Team All-Pro designation as many times. He'll give the Hawks' offensive line an immediate boost. They'll most likely plug him in at left guard and move Grey Zabel to the right side.
Circling back to the Colts, they ousted Chris Ballard because he failed to consistently replenish the roster the past few years. His replacement will need assets to shake things up, and trading Nelson most definitely accomplished that.
Sure, Nelson was a mainstay of the Indianapolis offensive trenches but was entering a contract year. Given that he wasn't part of his team's plans, the best course of action was to trade him in return for something.
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The Jaguars D-Line must take advantage of the Colts matchup
The Colts last won a game at the Bank in the distant year of 2014. That's how long it's been. Trading Quenton Nelson won't help their chances and should incentivize the Jaguars not only to get their fifth win of the season but also to extend their home-game winning streak against Indianapolis to 12 games.
The Jaguars already had a favorable matchup, even though their defensive line has left a bit to be desired this season. Without Nelson, the group suddenly has an opportunity to build momentum.
Sure, this has the marking of a trap game, which is why the Jaguars cannot afford to take Indianapolis lightly even after trading Quenton Nelson. They must start strong and put up as many points on the scoreboard as they can until they build a comfortable lead and the outcome of the game is no longer in question.
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