Hours before the NFL trade deadline, the Indianapolis Colts pulled off perhaps the biggest move of the season thus far by acquiring star cornerback Sauce Gardner in a trade with the New York Jets. Shortly after the move was made official, Colts GM Chris Ballard made it clear just how much of an impact he expects from his newest acquisition.
The Jets have had very few bright spots this year amid their 1-7 start to the year. Gardner has been one of them, leading the league in tight windows forced for opposing quarterbacks on passes thrown his way this year.
The price tag for the Colts to acquire Gardner in the trade was quite significant. New York will receive a 2026 and 2027 first-round pick along with second-year wideout Adonai Mitchell. However, the move reaffirms the stance that Indianapolis is truly looking to compete for a Super Bowl this year.
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In a statement posted on social media, Ballard shared his reasoning for making the move, claiming that Gardner was a player Indianapolis wanted badly in the 2022 NFL Draft. Additionally, he expects Gardner to improve the play of everyone around him on defense.
“Having the opportunity to acquire a talented player like Sauce Gardner was one we did not want to pass on,” wrote Ballard. “He was a player that we scouted heavily coming out of college and there’s a reason he was a 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.”
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It will be hard to judge this trade on either side until we see who the Jets select with their newly acquired draft picks. That being said, Gardner clearly provides a much-needed boost to the Colts’ secondary right away that should help them down the stretch of the 2025 season.
Gardner remains in concussion protocol for the time being. So it is unclear whether the former top-five pick will be able to suit up for the first time as a Colt for the team’s upcoming Week 10 game against the Atlanta Falcons.
That being said, expect Gardner to bring new life to the Colts’ defense whenever he is able to take the field next.
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