NFL1h ago
Colts Trade Buckner and Nelson to Launch Rebuild
Moves come after third straight loss drops team to 2-5 and follow dismissal of general manager
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Veterans Sent Packing
DeForest Buckner and Quenton Nelson have been dealt in separate transactions that underscore the franchise's new direction. Buckner returns to the San Francisco 49ers, while Nelson heads to the Seattle Seahawks. Both players were in the final year of their contracts.
Rebuild Takes Shape
The transactions follow the firing of the general manager in his 10th season. The club has not won the AFC South since 2014, last reached the playoffs in 2020 and last secured a postseason victory in 2018. Over the past five seasons the team has averaged 7.6 wins. A first-round selection in 2027 already belongs to the New York Jets from a prior deal.
Assets Collected
The Nelson trade produced a 2027 third-round pick and a 2028 fifth-rounder. The Buckner deal brought back a 2027 fourth-round selection. Indianapolis now holds one second-round pick in 2027 along with two third-round choices and two fourth-round selections. The team is projected to have well north of $60 million in salary cap space next spring.
Next Steps
Additional moves involving players such as Jonathan Taylor remain possible. The focus now shifts to accumulating resources for the next front office to address long-standing roster gaps.
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