The Colts’ decision to move on from Chris Ballard has opened the door to a new wrinkle that could matter in Seattle.
Indianapolis fired its general manager on Monday after 10 years, following the team’s home loss to the previously winless Tennessee Titans. The Colts sit at 2-4, and the organization has now turned to Ed Dodds as interim general manager. Dodds, currently the assistant GM, will oversee the personnel department, while head coach Shane Steichen will report directly to ownership.
That move is drawing interest in Seattle for a simple reason: Dodds spent a decade with the Seahawks before arriving in Indianapolis. He worked in Seattle from 2007-2016, starting out as a scout and eventually rising to senior personnel executive by 2015. He joined the Colts in 2017.
Dodds’ background gives the Seahawks a familiar face in a high-profile spot, and that kind of relationship can matter when teams start exploring trade possibilities. It does not guarantee anything, but it does create a connection between Colts leadership and Seattle general manager John Schneider.
If the Seahawks and Colts do talk, the obvious name would be Jonathan Taylor, especially given Seattle’s problems at running back. But the bigger issue for Seattle is up front. The line has been so shaky that adding a back alone would not fix the problem.
That’s why Quenton Nelson stands out as a more logical target. The Colts guard has been a Pro Bowler in each of his eight seasons and has earned three All-Pro selections.
He is also on an expiring contract, but that may not be a dealbreaker for Schneider. If Seattle wants to strengthen an offense that has been inconsistent, while trying to support a championship caliber defense, Nelson would be the kind of move worth considering.
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