John Schneider has never been shy about making a move when he believes it can improve the Seattle Seahawks. Two days after the Seahawks knocked off the previously undefeated Kansas City Chiefs, the general manager made another bet on the team he believes can defend its Super Bowl title.
Sep 20, 2026; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Seattle Seahawks owner Vinod Khosla looks on from the sideline in the second half of the game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images
Vinod Khosla Reacts In Two Words to the Quenton Nelson Trade
The Seahawks have acquired Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson in a trade reportedly involving a 2027 third-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick. Seahawks’ new owner Vinod Khosla made his reaction to the deal clear on Wednesday, posting, “Awesome trade!”
Awesome trade! https://t.co/T69mh0mizd
— Vinod Khosla (@vkhosla) October 28, 2026
The timing is notable. Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon has fired general manager Chris Ballard, and Nelson’s departure points toward a different direction for the Colts. Nelson is 30 and has made the Pro Bowl in each of his first eight seasons. He is in the final year of a four-year, $80 million contract, earning $16 million this season.
Why Quenton Nelson Makes Sense in Seattle?
Nelson’s value is not limited to his reputation. Through seven games, he has yet to allow a sack and has surrendered six quarterback pressures, according to TruMedia. His 81.9 pass-blocking grade ranks third among guards, while his 82.3 run-blocking grade ranks seventh. His 85.7 overall grade would be the third-best of his career.
Those numbers offer a clearer picture of what Seattle is buying. Nelson can help protect quarterback Sam Darnold, as they move into the second half of the season.
The immediate question is how the Seahawks arrange the rest of the offensive line. Nelson is expected to take over at left guard, potentially moving 2025 first-round pick Grey Zabel to right guard and pushing Anthony Bradford into a reserve role.
Seattle is not starting over, nor is it trying to assemble a contender from scratch. As fullback Brady Russell put it, the Seahawks should not be judged against last year’s version of themselves. “So many people are doubting that we’re the team that we were last year,” he said. “And we aren’t the team that we were last year. We’re the 2026 Seahawks.”
The Seahawks want to catch the San Francisco 49ers, win their 11th NFC West title, and return to the Super Bowl. They have a championship to defend, and they are not waiting for the problems to solve themselves.
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