Colts trade veterans as they focus on rebuilding for future seasons
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Nov 12, 2026, 6:35 PM
Last updated Nov 12, 2026

The Indianapolis Colts have made significant moves leading up to the trade deadline by trading four veterans, including DeForest Buckner to San Francisco for a fourth-round pick and Quenton Nelson to Seattle for returns of third and fifth-round picks in 2027 and 2028. With a current record of 2-7, the Colts are shifting focus towards accumulating draft capital to aid in their rebuilding efforts after the dismissal of general manager Chris Ballard. The team now holds a total of 10 picks for the 2027 draft and eight for 2028, indicating a clear direction for future roster construction. The trades of key players are designed to create opportunities for younger talent and rebuild for the next competitive window.
- •Colts traded veterans including Buckner and Nelson ahead of the deadline
- •Team acquired six draft selections, boosting their future picks significantly
- •Current focus shifts towards long-term rebuilding after a 2-7 start
- •Buckner's move allows younger players like Adetomiwa Adebawore more opportunities
- •Colts retain Jonathan Taylor despite receiving significant offers
- 6:35 PMYahoo Sports — Grading the Colts’ trade deadline: Which moves helped the rebuild and which could backfire?
"The Colts traded four veterans and kept several others. Here's how each decision grades out.
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