Quenton Nelson is one of the Indianapolis Colts players who has deserved better in his career. He was drafted by former general manager Chris Ballard and has toiled for an organization doomed by Ballard's leadership. Nelson should have won Super Bowls. Instead, he's been a part of one playoff victory.
None of that is his fault, of course. He's been named First- or Second-Team All-Pro six times in the previous eight seasons. He was a Pro Bowler in the other two years. He should be a future Pro Football Hall of Famer, but he deserves better from his team.
To get there, he might need to be traded. Ballard was recently fired; the 2026 team is 2-4 with little hope of making the playoffs, and Nelson is a free agent next year. He also could be a trade candidate before this season's deadline, which is November 10.
Quenton Nelson is happy playing for the Indianapolis Colts
To be sure, Nelson doesn't want to be traded. The left guard is happy in Indy, and he met his wife while playing for the Colts.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Nelson said, "I love it here. Met my wife here. Really appreciate and love this organization. It’s been a long career here. And made a lot of friendships and bonds here that I don't take for granted."
Seemingly, the Colts wouldn't want to deal Quenton Nelson. He should be a cornerstone of the offensive line for a few more years. Ballard, in his lack of wisdom, didn't extend Nelson before this season, though, and unless the team places the franchise tag on Nelson, which would be worth at least $25 million, he could leave in free agency.
Ballard might get a job with another team and could be a general manager again, but buyer beware. He not only doesn't know how to choose good quarterbacks and edge rushers in the draft, but he isn't overly proactive in extending players who need to be extended. If Nelson leaves to make more money elsewhere, it is because Chris Ballard caused the situation.
Head coach Shane Steichen might stick around even after Ballard was fired, but let's not forget that he is 7-25 against teams that are .500 or better. The fault for that doesn't lie completely with the players Ballard gave the coach. A great coach can elevate an average roster.
Yet, some of the parts of the roster weren't merely average, but generationally great. One of those is Quenton Nelson, and another is Jonathan Taylor. The shame is that Nelson might either be traded before the deadline or land elsewhere in free agency. Watching him play for another franchise would not be a fun watch for Indianapolis Colts fans.
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