The Seattle Seahawks aren’t wasting time strengthening their roster for a playoff run, making a major move by acquiring eight-time Pro Bowl guard Quenton Nelson from the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for a 2027 third-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick.

While the trade gives Seattle a proven veteran to bolster its offensive line, former Pro Bowl wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh isn’t happy with how easily the Colts let one of the league’s best guards go.

T.J. Houshmandzadeh Questions Colts’ Timing on Trading Trade Nelson

The trade signals a major change in direction for Indianapolis. Sitting at 2-5 after losing 12 of its past 14 games, the Colts have already parted ways with longtime general manager Chris Ballard. Trading Nelson, shortly after sending star defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the San Francisco 49ers, suggests the franchise is preparing for a significant roster overhaul.

Nelson is in the final year of the four-year, $80 million contract extension he signed in 2022. Seattle will take on the remaining $9.777 million on his current deal. Even if the Seahawks don’t reach a long-term agreement with him before free agency, they could potentially receive a compensatory draft pick if he leaves, depending on the relevant formula and their offseason moves.

Speaking on “PREGAME: A Speakeasy Show,” Houshmandzadeh questioned why the Colts were willing to part with such an accomplished player for a relatively modest return.

“When I saw this, I was mad. It’s like the rich get richer,” Houshmandzadeh said. “A third-round pick? A third and a fifth. Crazy. And I don’t care if it’s a rental… This is what winning organizations do.”

He then explained why Seattle’s approach made sense from a roster-building perspective.

“Oh, y’all want this little measly third-round pick? All right, go ahead and take this third-round pick this year. We’ll give you a fifth next year. And we’re going to get one of the greatest guards of the last decade… Like, what are we doing here?” he added.

Houshmandzadeh also stressed the need for Seattle to strengthen its interior offensive line, especially when facing the Los Angeles Rams’ tough defensive front.

“Kudos to the Seattle Seahawks for saying something that they needed… but man, I got to understand this. Like, why do teams let really good teams do stuff like this?” Houshmandzadeh added.

Nelson, the sixth overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, has built one of the most decorated careers. He earned first-team All-Pro honors in each of his first three seasons and has been selected to the Pro Bowl in every season of his career. His eight Pro Bowl selections also match Hall of Fame tackle Joe Thomas’ total.

The veteran guard has continued to deliver in pass protection this season. Across 275 pass-blocking snaps, Nelson has allowed no sacks and posted a 2.2% pressure rate, giving Seattle another reliable presence up front.

Seattle is coming off an impressive 20-3 win over the Kansas City Chiefs. It now boasts a 73.4 PFN Offense Impact Grade (#18 in the league) and an 89.2 Defense Impact Grade (#2 in the NFL).

With a 4-3 record, Seattle sits second in the NFC West behind the division-leading San Francisco 49ers. The Seahawks will look to build on their win when they face the Chicago Bears in Week 8 on Monday Night Football.