The 1 trade Seahawks must make in final week before 2026 NFL trade deadline after adding Quenton Nelson

November 5, 2026 · Yahoo Sports

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The Seattle Seahawks have already made one major statement ahead of the 2026 NFL trade deadline. They recently acquired eight-time Pro Bowl guard Quenton Nelson. However, GM John Schneider should not consider his work finished just yet. Seattle’s inconsistent rushing attack and recent struggles in critical situations suggest another significant addition could make a tremendous difference. Fortunately, the Indianapolis Colts have another available superstar who could help solve that problem. Trading for Jonathan Taylor would reunite the explosive running back with Nelson. That could potentially reform Seattle’s offense into a legitimate championship-caliber unit once again.

Offensive spark

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Seattle’s title defense through the first two months has been a gripping emotional rollercoaster. The Seahawks opened with commanding authority before stumbling into an excruciating mid-autumn lull. They dropped back-to-back fourth-quarter heartbreakers to San Francisco and Denver in a brutal five-day span that matched their entire loss total from last year’s championship run. Just when panic threatened to derail the campaign, Mike Macdonald’s squad responded with a vintage primetime demolition of Patrick Mahomes and the unbeaten Kansas City Chiefs. However, an unexpected setback against the Chicago Bears on Monday night pushed Seattle’s record to 4-4. They are currently deadlocked with the Los Angeles Rams and chasing the division-leading 49ers. Sure, Jaxon Smith-Njigba continues to shatter historical marks with seven 100-yard receiving performances through eight games. However, the offense has repeatedly sputtered on third downs and in the red zone due to an inconsistent ground attack.

Reunion

The most impactful move Schneider should pursue before the deadline is acquiring Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor. The Seahawks have already addressed an important offensive-line weakness by bringing Nelson to Seattle. Adding Taylor would allow them to maximize that investment.

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Taylor is one of the NFL’s most accomplished running backs. He combines exceptional acceleration, downhill vision, and home-run speed. His production in Indianapolis has demonstrated that he can carry an offense when given sufficient opportunities. Through seven games in 2026, he has accumulated 587 rushing yards and a league-leading eight rushing touchdowns.

The potential reunion with Nelson makes this proposition even more attractive. The two previously formed an outstanding interior combination in Indianapolis. Nelson’s ability to pull defenders and create running lanes complementing Taylor’s decisive running style.

Seattle needs precisely that kind of physical identity. Zach Charbonnet and Jadarian Price returned to action against Chicago after their respective injury absences. They gave the Seahawks additional options. However, neither should prevent Schneider from exploring an opportunity to acquire an established difference-maker.

Taylor would provide an immediate upgrade in experience and explosive-play potential. More importantly, he could help turn the running game into a consistent weapon rather than an occasional complement to Darnold’s passing attack.

Paying a premium

Indianapolis has reportedly become willing to entertain trade offers. The Seahawks are also among the teams that have expressed interest in the three-time Pro Bowler. That’s in addition to the Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, and New York Giants.

This will not be an inexpensive transaction, though. Reports indicate that Indianapolis has sought a first-round selection and a defensive tackle in at least one potential trade package. Taylor also signed a two-year, $44 million extension in August. That will keep him under contract through 2028.

Seattle should consider offering its 2027 first-round selection alongside a conditional future pick. Of course, surrendering a potentially starting-caliber draft pick would require careful consideration. The Seahawks must avoid weakening another important position simply to strengthen their backfield. Given Taylor’s age, production, and contract situation, paying a premium could nevertheless make sense for a franchise pursuing consecutive championships.

Seattle’s offensive ceiling

The potential benefits extend well beyond rushing production. Adding Taylor would force opposing defenses to respect Seattle’s ability to attack between the tackles. That can potentially create more favorable coverage opportunities for Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp.

It would also help Darnold avoid carrying an excessive offensive burden. The quarterback has demonstrated that he can deliver explosive passing performances. The recent struggles, though, have highlighted the importance of maintaining balance.

Seattle’s Week 8 defeat was particularly revealing. The Seahawks converted just one of 11 third downs and scored touchdowns on only one of four red-zone possessions. Those are precisely the situations where a dependable power-running attack can make a difference. Taylor would give the Colts offense another reliable option in short-yardage situations.

Rebuilding a championship core

Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Schneider has already demonstrated his willingness to make aggressive moves by acquiring Nelson. Now, he has an opportunity to complete the offensive transformation by pursuing Taylor.

The Seahawks still have competition to overcome in a crowded NFC West. Adding another expensive veteran carries legitimate financial and draft-related risks. Nevertheless, championship windows do not remain open indefinitely.

Taylor’s combination of proven production and familiarity with Nelson makes him an especially compelling target. If Indianapolis is willing to negotiate a reasonable package, Seattle should push hard to complete the transaction.

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