Analyst: Quenton Nelson to Seahawks is ‘bigger’ than Rams’ offseason moves

The Los Angeles Rams dominated headlines with their series of blockbuster additions this offseason.

They traded for two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett. They swung a deal for All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie. And in late August, three-time Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald came out of retirement to rejoin their team.

Macdonald reveals how Seahawks will shuffle OL after Quenton Nelson trade

But one NFL analyst thinks the Seattle Seahawks’ trade for three-time All-Pro left guard Quenton Nelson earlier this week will be more impactful than any of their NFC West rival’s moves.

“I think the Quenton Nelson acquisition by Seattle will do bigger things for that division than anybody the Rams brought in,” NFL Network’s Kyle Brandt said on ESPN’s “Get Up” show.

“It is an NFC-altering trade,” Brandt added.

Widely regarded as one of the NFL’s best offensive linemen, Nelson was a Pro Bowler in all eight seasons since the Indianapolis Colts drafted him with the No. 6 overall pick in 2018.

Nelson is dominant in both facets of O-line play. This season, he ranks third among guards in Pro Football Focus pass block grading and seventh in run block grading. He has allowed only one sack in 912 pass block snaps since the start of the 2025 season, according to PFF.

Nelson’s addition could be a significant boost for Seattle’s rushing attack and pass protection, both of which have struggled at times this season.

“We cleared out an entire week when Myles Garrett went to the Rams. We cleared out an entire month when Aaron Donald (unretired) for the Rams. I think that Quenton Nelson is gonna end up meaning more than either of those guys,” Brandt said during a separate segment on NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football” show.

“This is a huge, huge deal as (Seattle’s) running backs get healthier, as Sam Darnold gets more comfortable and they get one of the best players in the NFL at any position.”

Seattle Seahawks news and more

• Salk: Should the Seattle Seahawks make another trade?
• Brock: 3 things to like about Seahawks’ trade for Quenton Nelson
• Quenton Nelson’s former coach sees Seattle Seahawks as perfect fit

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