Prior Connection Opens Door for Seahawks, Colts to Execute Trade Deadline Deal
Few in the NFL have been better over the years of developing and maintaining relationships in the league than John Schneider. Could a former colleague thrust into an interim general manager gig help facilitate a big deal between the Seahawks and Colts?
For the first time in a decade, the Indianapolis Colts will have a new general manager calling the shots after relieving Chris Ballard of his duties on Monday, vaulting long-time assistant Ed Dodds into the interim tag.
Sitting at 2-4 after losing to the previously winless Titans on Sunday, the Colts still only sit two games out of first place behind the Jaguars, so they may not be in fire sale mode just yet. But with the trade deadline approaching on November 2, the franchise has several marquee veterans who could draw interest to land valuable draft capital for the next regime to rebuild the roster.
If Indianapolis decides to open up shop and field calls, Seattle could emerge as a potential trade partner for a couple of reasons, starting with the most obvious being Dodds' connections to the organization.
Before going to Indianapolis to become Vice President of Player Personnel in 2017, Dodds cut his teeth with the Seahawks, starting his journey as a pro scout in 2007 before taking on area scout and national scout promotions. He was elevated to senior personnel executive in 2015, serving that role under general manager John Schneider for two seasons.
Since Dodds departed, Seattle has made one trade with Indianapolis, trading receiver Marcus Johnson in exchange for tight end Darrell Daniels in September 2018. Daniels played in nine games in 2018 but never caught a pass with the team.
Corbin K. Smith
As far as free agency goes, Dodds helped sign guard Mark Glowinski and running back Christine Michael early in his tenure with the Colts, adding the former Seahawks draft picks to the roster. While Michael didn't do much in Indy, Glowinski emerged as a quality starter for seven seasons. On the flip side, Schneider signed safety Rodney Thomas II in March, marking the first time a player drafted during the Dodds era in Indy came to town as a free agent addition.
Even if it doesn't look like there's been much of a connection between the two teams following Dodds' exit, however, Schneider excels at maintaining relationships with those who previously worked for him. The Colts also have some pieces that could offer intrigue for the Seahawks at areas of need with the deadline rapidly approaching, starting with perennial All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson.
