The Indianapolis Colts might've just waved the white flag on their 2026 season.
On Tuesday, guard Quenton Nelson was traded to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for a 2027 third-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick. The deal seals Nelson's time in Indy—where he was a three-time first-team All-Pro, a three-time second-team All-Pro and an eight-time Pro Bowler.
So, if the 2-5 Colts just dumped a franchise great, then who else are they willing to trade? Well, according to league insider Tom Pelissero, "no one" is expected to be off-limits.
With that said, here are four players the Carolina Panthers could have interest in during Indianapolis' fire sale . . .
WR Josh Downs
Although Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker have become one of the NFL's top wideout duos, there's
not much else on the depth chart below them. 2024 first-round pick Xavier Legette, whether he's healthy or not, has struggled to find his footing—forcing the Panthers to try and squeeze meaningful reps out of John Metchie III and Brycen Tremayne.
Downs would bring a bit of a different element to offense. The former third-round pick out of North Carolina is separating well here in 2026, and is currently up to a career-high in average depth of target—making him a potent downfield threat.
The Panthers could also be intrigued by his experience as a punt returner—a role, as evidenced by David Moore's egregious muff on Sunday, they have yet to nail down.
DT DeForest Buckner
Speaking of painful sights from Week 7, Carolina allowed a one-dimensional Tampa Bay offense to run them down for 260 yards and three touchdowns on a whopping 46 carries. With the defensive line repeatedly failing to create a consistent enough push, the Panthers have to be looking into more beef for their trench.
Buckner, a two-time All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowler, might be able to help. While the 32-year-old is a few seasons removed from his all-star form, he's certainly a better option than what's being rolled out beside Derrick Brown and Lee Hunter at the moment.
DT Grover Stewart
The same goes for Stewart.
The 6-foot-4, 314-pounder has the ability to help tighten up the run defense. His current 75.9 tackling grade from Pro Football Focus would be the second-highest such mark of his 10-year career.
CB Cam Taylor-Britt
Taylor-Britt isn't exactly the best cornerback the Panthers can acquire. But how much longer can they continue to start Akayleb Evans with Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson out?
Until Horn and Jackson return, Taylor-Britt—with 40 games' worth of starting experience—would give this secondary a better chance to hang.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: 4 players the Panthers could trade for during Colts' fire sale
