The Indianapolis Colts could be heading toward a much bigger roster shakeup than initially expected ahead of the NFL trade deadline. After firing general manager Chris Ballard and falling to 2-4, Indianapolis is reportedly receiving strong trade interest in veteran stars Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner, with the possibility that no player is completely off-limits if the franchise decides to sell.
Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner drawing strong interest
According to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, the Colts have received strong trade interest in both Nelson and Buckner ahead of the Nov. 10 deadline. Pelissero reported that no player is expected to be off-limits if Indianapolis ultimately decides to become a seller.
That would put two of the Colts’ most established veterans firmly into the trade conversation.
Nelson, 30, remains one of the NFL’s premier interior offensive linemen. He has started all six games for Indianapolis this season and has reportedly posted an 89.2 Pro Football Focus grade, which ranks first among qualified guards. He is also playing on the final year of his contract, making him an attractive option for a contender looking to strengthen its offensive line for the stretch run.
Buckner could be equally appealing to teams searching for help along the defensive line. The 32-year-old defensive tackle has four sacks through six games and is also playing in the final year of his contract. His experience and postseason résumé could make him a particularly valuable addition for a contender.
Neither player has indicated that he is seeking a trade. Nelson recently expressed his affection for Indianapolis, while Buckner has largely dismissed the speculation as a distraction as he focuses on the season.
Jonathan Taylor could still be the biggest name
The latest development also adds another layer to the ongoing speculation surrounding Jonathan Taylor. Multiple teams have reportedly shown interest in the Colts running back, although Indianapolis has not yet made a final decision about whether it will sell.
Taylor has 492 rushing yards and seven touchdowns through six games and remains one of the NFL’s most productive running backs. Unlike Nelson and Buckner, however, Taylor recently signed a three-year extension that runs through the 2028 season, making a potential trade more complicated.
The Colts’ next few games could determine how aggressive the organization becomes. Indianapolis is preparing to face the undefeated Minnesota Vikings before traveling to Jacksonville to face the 4-2 Jaguars. Those two games could provide a clearer indication of whether the Colts still believe they can salvage the season or should begin collecting assets for the future.
With Ballard already gone and Indianapolis lacking a first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft, accumulating additional draft capital could be especially important for whoever eventually takes over the front office. If the Colts continue to struggle, Taylor may not be the only major name generating calls before the deadline.
