Seattle coach Mike Macdonald says Quenton Nelson will remain at left guard after the team’s trade for the veteran offensive lineman.
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Seattle has mapped out how Quenton Nelson will fit into its starting offensive line following the Seahawks’ blockbuster trade with the Indianapolis Colts, with coach Mike Macdonald confirming Nelson will stay at left guard.
The 30-year-old Nelson has played his NFL career at left guard, and Seattle’s plan leaves Grey Zabel shifted to right guard after the team’s 2025 first-round pick started his career on the left side.
Zabel, 24, has experience making that move, having played every offensive line position at North Dakota State, including three starts at right guard.
With Nelson and Zabel set in the interior, Anthony Bradford is expected to become the odd man out of the starting five.
Bradford is a 2023 fourth-round pick and recently returned from injured reserve after a knee injury, and the Seahawks plan to use him for depth at both guard spots.
Macdonald said the reshuffling of Seattle’s offensive line is not a criticism of any individual player, noting the unit played its best game of the season in a 20-3 Week 7 win over the Kansas City Chiefs.
Seattle expects the revised interior line to take the field when the Seahawks play the Chicago Bears, and the addition of Nelson is intended to provide a proven veteran alongside the team’s younger offensive linemen as protection around starting quarterback Sam Darnold strengthens.
Seattle acquired Nelson for a 2027 third-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick.
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