Colts Land All-Pro Corner Sauce Gardner in Trade with Jets

The Colts made headlines today with a blockbuster deal, acquiring All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner from the New York Jets in exchange for their 2026 and 2027 first-round picks, plus wide receiver Adonai Mitchell.

Gardner was the number 4 pick in the 2022 draft and quickly made a name for himself, with two-time First-team All-Pro seasons, building a reputation as one of the league’s most elite corners. He is known for his incredible coverage skills, physicality, and leadership on the field.

For the Indianapolis Colts, this trade is enormous. Not only are the Colts benefiting from this trade, but Gardner is also coming from a 1-7 team to a 7-2 team. Gardner, paired with the already talented front seven, only adds more strength and makes a legit threat against top-tier receivers. This move will inject new energy into the Colts’ electric roster.

However, this trade does not come free to the Colts. With this move, the Colts are taking on steep contracts, and some are cautious about giving up that level of draft capital, especially if things do not go to plan. But, given Gardner’s track record, the Colts decided that this is a risk they are willing to take.

On the flip side, it looks like the Jets are in the beginning stages of their rebuilding phase by trading a young player at the height of his career. Gardner and his agent/brother seemed to be shocked by this trade and had no inkling it was coming.

Given how this season has played out, with the addition of this trade, the Colts are making themselves legitimate Super Bowl contenders. Fans are looking forward to the major coverage upgrade as games go on and are in high hopes that Gardner can make it to Berlin, Germany, this weekend to help the Colts take down the Falcons.