Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson
Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
After Chris Ballard got fired, every team in the NFL (including the New York Giants) asked the same question: Are the Indianapolis Colts about to trade away some of their most talented veterans?
The Colts answered with a resounding 'yes' on Tuesday, trading All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks. Per Adam Schefter, the Seahawks only had to give up a 2027 third-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick to get the deal done.
At that price, the Giants should have been jumping at the opportunity to fix one of their biggest weaknesses. Instead, the future Hall of Famer goes to an NFC competitor.
Giants miss out on Quenton Nelson trade as Seahawks add All-Pro guard
Nelson was an obvious trade candidate for the Colts. He's playing on an expiring contract, and at 30 years old, he likely wasn't getting a new deal from an Indianapolis team that looks to be years away from contending.
The Giants certainly could have used him, as current starting left guard Jon Runyan Jr. has been one of their worst players up front. Adding Nelson to the mix would have given Big Blue a truly dominant offensive line. Just think of how effective Cam Skattebo could have been when running to the left with Nelson and Andrew Thomas blocking for him.
Instead, the G-Men will likely have to ride out the rest of the season with Runyan Jr. as their starter. After his extension this offseason, the veteran may be locked into the starting lineup for longer than fans would prefer.
This was the kind of deal that could have fueled a playoff run, but alas, the Seahawks were quicker to pull the trigger.
Giants can still benefit from a Colts trade deadline fire sale
Missing out on Nelson doesn't mean that the Giants have to miss the opportunity that a potential Colts fire sale presents. Indianapolis still has multiple players on its roster that could help New York for the rest of the season.
Jonathan Taylor is obviously the most prominent name. He would solve John Harbaugh's running back issues in a heartbeat, but he may be too expensive for Big Blue to pursue. It would be hard to justify giving up a second-round pick or more for an aging running back.
DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart should be on New York's radar, too. The tandem of defensive tackles is one of the best in the NFL, and either player could take on a significant role for the Giants.
There may not be a deal worth making for Big Blue, but Joe Schoen should at least be checking in with the Colts after the Nelson trade.