Trade deadline day was lit up by one of the biggest in-season moves in recent memory, as the AFC South-leading Indianapolis Colts acquired all-pro cornerback Sauce Gardner from the struggling New York Jets.
This huge deal sees the Colts snap up one of the most effective shutdown cornerbacks in the NFL. In return, the Jets will receive a first-round pick in the 2026 and 2027 drafts, as well as wide receiver Adonai Mitchell.
The Jets’ willingness to trade a two-time All-Pro signals a hard reset for a franchise that may have already written off the current season. They are happy to sacrifice this season for the chance to build something bigger in the future. As for the Colts, the move is a clear statement of intent – they believe they’re ready to win now.
First Round Draft Pick Delivers on the Hype
Colts’ Josh Downs says ‘friendly transaction’ led to giving No. 1 jersey to Sauce Gardner https://t.co/1QE9cIeNGC
— USA TODAY Sports (@usatodaysports) November 5, 2025
Following a hugely impressive college career with the Cincinnati Bearcats, Gardner was one of the top cornerback prospects ahead of the 2022 draft. Taking the Detroit native with the fourth overall pick, the Jets made Gardner the highest-drafted cornerback in franchise history.
After beating Bryce Hall to the starting role, the youngster made an immediate impact for Robert Saleh’s Jets. Starting all 17 games in 2022, he ended his rookie season with 75 combined tackles. He also added two interceptions, and a league-high of 20 passes defensed. Those numbers were good enough for a spot in the 2022 Pro Bowl and NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honours.
By the time of his second Pro Bowl selection in 2023, Gardner’s combination of top-tier coverage skills, speed, and physicality had made him the face of the Jets defense and a firm fan favourite.
Gardner’s outstanding play and clear potential earned him a four-year $120.4m contract extension – making him the highest-paid corner in NFL history. When he signed that deal in July 2025, the Jets appeared set to build their defense around his elite coverage skills. Just four months later, those plans were torn up and no doubt many fans will be gutted to see him go.
It is unusual for a player of Gardner’s calibre to be traded in their prime. However, it is easy to see why both the Colts and Jets were drawn to the terms of this deal, even if it may be harder to take for Jets supporters.
Major Boost to Colts’ Super Bowl Credentials
For Indianapolis, this move is a clear signal of intent. At 7-2 and leading the AFC South, the Colts are the NFL’s number one-ranked side after Week 9. This move shows the Colts’ intention to maximise the current opportunity and make a real push for glory this term.
Moreover, trading two first-round picks is also a vote of confidence in the current squad – particularly quarterback Daniel Jones. Benched by the Giants in 2024, Jones has emerged from his role as Minnesota Vikings backup to inspire the Colts’ superb start to 2025. Joining on a one-year deal, this trade makes an extended contract for the 28-year-old appear all the more likely and will surely boost his growing confidence further.
While the Indianapolis offence is ranked the best in the league, there is room for improvement on the defensive side of the ball. Through Week 9, the defense ranks 16th for yards allowed and 26th for overall passing defense. With Gardner added to the group, those defensive stats could soon be trending upward at a rate of knots.
Summing up the move, Colts’ General Manager Chris Ballard stated, “He was a player that we scouted heavily coming out of college, and there’s a reason he was the fourth-overall pick. Sauce is a proven cornerback. His skill and competitive nature will elevate everyone’s play on the defensive unit. We’re thrilled he’s a Colt.”
The Jets Perspective: A Lost Season, But Hope for the Future
Trading a player of Gardner’s calibre will be a difficult pill for Gang Green to swallow. However, even his presence wasn’t enough to elevate a squad with glaring holes elsewhere. This deal understandably stole the headlines, but the 1-7 Jets also traded key defensive tackle Quinnen Williams to the Dallas Cowboys for a second-round pick in 2026, a first-round pick in 2027, and defensive tackle Mazi Smith.
Together, those moves suggest General Manager Darren Mougey views 2026 and 2027 as a rebuild cycle and is happy to sacrifice today for a brighter tomorrow. Now armed with five first-round picks over the next two years, not to mention a good deal of salary cap flexibility, the Jets are well placed to fill the key gaps in the squad – and perhaps finally unearth their next successful franchise quarterback.
A Win for Both Sides?
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Only time will tell which team has the winning end of this deal. For the Colts, success could come quickly: if Gardner helps Indianapolis to a first AFC South title in 11 years – or dreaming bigger, even Super Bowl success in Santa Clara – sacrificing those first-round picks will look like a bargain.
How well the Jets come out of this arrangement is unlikely to be known until at least the 2027 campaign. However, given their downward trajectory, sacrificing a star name for future potential may be viewed as a price worth paying.