Darren Mougey could try to fleece Colts again if Quenton Nelson becomes available

The NFL trade deadline is just around the corner, which means teams around the league are gearing up to be either buyers or sellers. For the New York Jets, their approach is likely to be vastly different from last year's deadline, which saw them part ways with the likes of Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams in blockbuster deals.

Now, the Jets are in a bit of an in-between state. They're not exactly a playoff contender, but their current staff needs to continue winning games if they hope to keep their jobs in 2027. New York isn't likely to sell off any major pieces, but they could look to add a key contributor if the price is right.

If the Jets wanted to make their offense foolproof, they could look to add an elite offensive lineman to their ranks. The Indianapolis Colts, who seem to be headed nowhere fast, could look to start accumulating draft picks, considering the Gardner trade has exhausted their 2027 resources.

Could Darren Mougey, someone who took the Colts to school last November, try to pry Quenton Nelson off their hands?

Quenton Nelson could be a perfect fit for the New York Jets

The Jets aren't exactly dying for an addition at guard. Their offensive line has been relatively solid throughout 2026, with some games standing out more than others.

However, Nelson could be a player who puts them over the top. He's arguably the best guard in football right now, with Pro Football Focus tabbing him as their highest-graded interior offensive lineman (89.2).

If New York is tired of seeing Josh Myers as the weak link at center, they could shake things up by kicking Joe Tippmann, who has had an up-and-down season himself at right guard, inside back to his college position of center, and inserting Nelson as the starter opposite Dylan Parham.

He would require a new contract, considering he's an impending free agent, but a Nelson trade would immediately make the Jets' offensive line one of the best in the league. The only question is: what would it cost?

The cost for the former Notre Dame product likely starts at a second-round pick, something the Colts could desperately use considering their lack of a first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.

Considering the Jets have three firsts next April, using an early Day 2 pick on an instant contributor for their offense may not be such a bad idea.

Would the Colts make another trade with Darren Mougey?

Of course, Colts fans may actually revolt if their team actually makes another trade with the Jets. Yes, Chris Ballard is gone, but with the way Mougey got one over on them with the Gardner trade, they're probably tired of hearing about New York's general manager and his deals.

Interim Colts general manager, Ed Dodds, is currently being tasked with holding down the fort for the remainder of the season. It's unclear if he has any direction from owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon about what he should do with the roster, but it's likely in the team's best interest to sell.

Whether they'll make another deal with the Jets remains to be seen.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow