Colts trade rumors: Buckner, Nelson
The gist
The 2-5 Colts have drawn strong trade interest in guard Quenton Nelson and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner.
Two franchise mainstays could move as Indianapolis weighs selling veterans.
How it unfolded
- Oct 21, 2026ESPN's Dan Graziano wrote that several high-profile veterans, including Nelson and Buckner, are on expiring contracts and that the Colts could deal players they don't see as part of their future, partly because they lack a 2027 first-round pick from the Sauce Gardner trade.
- Oct 21, 2026ESPN's Jeremy Fowler wrote that Indianapolis did not aggressively pursue an extension for Nelson this summer.
- Oct 23, 2026At 2-4 after firing GM Chris Ballard, Buckner, Taylor and Nelson addressed the trade rumors; Buckner said he was focused on the Vikings.