Colts Trade Nelson and Buckner, Leaving Guard Jalen Farmer to Step In

The Indianapolis Colts sent Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner to other teams this week, a move that reshapes the roster for the 2026 season.

Nelson played in Indianapolis from 2022 to 2026, while Buckner started his career in San Francisco before rejoining the 49ers. Both players were on expiring contracts when the trades were finalized.

Matt Taylor, the team’s radio voice, discussed the emotional weight of the departures on Query & Company. He noted that while front offices discuss assets and draft capital, the players are teammates who share daily life in the locker room. Taylor stated, “These guys are people, too. They’re teammates. They mean a lot.”

Taylor said left tackle Bernhard Raimann was visibly affected by the changes. Raimann, who shared a locker with Nelson since 2022, described entering the room to find Nelson’s stall empty. Taylor called Nelson a candidate for the Hall of Fame and Buckner one of the best defensive tackles in franchise history. He emphasized that the Colts’ lack of playoff appearances since 2020 was not caused by the performance of either player.

Taylor believes the team chose to trade to NFC teams to support the veterans’ chances at winning titles. Nelson went to the Seattle Seahawks, and Buckner returned to the San Francisco 49ers. In exchange, Indianapolis received a 2027 third-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick from Seattle.

With Nelson gone, Jalen Farmer faces a new role as the starting left guard. Farmer, who is still on his rookie contract, previously played right guard at Kentucky and Florida. Taylor said the offensive line has practiced interior positions all season, so Farmer is not starting from scratch.

Taylor told Farmer, “Now you’re the guy. Now you have a huge audition to stake your claim to be the long-term answer at left guard.” The Colts will face their next opponent after this roster restructuring takes effect.