In a stunning move at the NFL trade deadline, the Indianapolis Colts have acquired star cornerback Sauce Gardner from the New York Jets, bolstering their secondary for a playoff push. The deal sees the Colts parting ways with two first-round picks and sophomore wide receiver Adonai Mitchell in exchange for the 2022 Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Want to know what people are really saying? Don’t miss the buzz from Reddit at the end!
Colts Acquire Star CB Sauce Gardner in Blockbuster Trade
The Indianapolis Colts made a blockbuster move at the NFL trade deadline, acquiring star cornerback Sauce Gardner from the New York Jets in exchange for two first-round picks and sophomore wide receiver Adonai Mitchell. Gardner, the No. 4 overall pick in 2022, earned consecutive All-Pro berths and a Defensive Rookie of the Year award in his first two seasons but regressed last year, allowing a 98.1 passer rating in coverage with 20 tackles and seven pass breakups across seven appearances. The Colts get Sauce Gardner at the league minimum for the rest of the season, then …• $25.5 million in 2026• $24.95 million in 2027• $20.2 million in 2028… Because they’re inheriting a deal done two years early, the numbers are VERY reasonable for a top corner. “theScore.com”
The Sauce Saga: A Franchise-Altering Move
The 25-year-old Gardner signed a record four-year, $120.4-million contract extension just months ago with the Jets. However, the Colts will pay him the league minimum for the rest of the 2025 season, followed by $25.5 million in 2026, $24.95 million in 2027, and $20.2 million in 2028, which are considered reasonable numbers for a top corner inherited on a deal done two years early. This move signals a major shift for both franchises, as the Colts, who rank 5th in total offense with 4,648 total yards and have racked up 279 first downs, aim to bolster their playoff chances, while the Jets appear to be entering a rebuild phase.
Reloading for a Playoff Push: Colts Bolster Secondary
Despite a 27-20 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, the Colts have been one of the biggest surprises of 2025, posting a 7-2 record to start the campaign. Indianapolis revamped its secondary in the offseason and now adds an established corner in his prime for the second half of the regular season. Gardner has registered 20 tackles and seven pass breakups across seven appearances this season while allowing a 98.1 passer rating in coverage. With this move, the Colts, who have accumulated 1,546 rushing yards and 3,102 passing yards while scoring 366 total points, have solidified their defensive backfield and positioned themselves as a serious contender in the AFC.
Jets’ Rebuild Accelerates with Gardner Trade
The 1-7 Jets are sellers at the trade deadline yet again after starting the campaign with seven straight losses. Once the owner of an elite defense, New York ranks only 26th in defensive EPA/play. The team also rosters corners Brandon Stephens, Jarvis Brownlee Jr., and third-round rookie Azareye’h Thomas, among others. The Jets made a second blockbuster trade later Tuesday, shipping three-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Quinnen Williams to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a 2026 second-round pick, a 2027 first-round selection, and defensive tackle Mazi Smith. Williams, who had 16 tackles, 1 sack, and 3 forced fumbles this year, joins a Cowboys defense that has allowed 1,407 rushing yards.
Changing of the Guard: Jets’ Teardown Begins
New York hired first-year general manager Darren Mougey and rookie head coach Aaron Glenn in the offseason to change the culture of a franchise that hasn’t made the playoffs since the 2010 season. They now have five first-round picks over the next two years after letting go of their top corner and defensive lineman. While the short-term outlook may be bleak, the Jets are positioning themselves for a significant rebuild, stockpiling draft capital and clearing cap space for the future.
Internet Reactions to Colts’ Acquisition of Sauce Gardner
The Colts’ blockbuster trade for star cornerback Sauce Gardner has sparked a wide range of reactions across the internet. Many fans are excited about the prospect of Gardner bolstering the Colts’ playoff-contending squad, with one Redditor commenting, “Colts are eyeing a superbowl with Daniel Jones at the helm. Who would have saw this coming 3 months ago.” Another user expressed optimism, saying, “Happy for Sauce, what an upgrade.”
However, not everyone is convinced that the Colts gave up too much in the deal. One Redditor commented, “2 first round picks is kinda crazy, he’s not Micah Parsons level impactful IMO.” Another user took a more lighthearted approach, simply stating, “Great player, all time great name.”
As for the Jets, their decision to trade away their star cornerback has raised questions about the team’s direction. One user commented, “Giants are Super Bowl machines…for other teams,” hinting at the potential long-term implications of the Jets’ rebuild. With the Colts’ recent success and the Jets’ struggles, this blockbuster trade has certainly captured the attention of the sports community.