Colts get Sauce Gardner from Jets for 2 first-round picks

The Indianapolis Colts made the biggest splash of NFL trade deadline by landing star cornerback Sauce Gardner in a deal with the New York Jets.

The two-time first-team All-Pro will go to Indianapolis in exchange for two first-round picks and sophomore wide receiver Adonai Mitchell, the team announced Tuesday.

The stunning deal comes just months after Gardner signed a record four-year, $120.4-million contract extension.

Gardner, the No. 4 overall pick in 2022, put on a show in his first two NFL seasons, earning consecutive All-Pro berths and claiming a Defensive Rookie of the Year award. He regressed last year and has struggled with missed tackles.

The 25-year-old, who's allowed a 98.1 passer rating in coverage this season, said farewell to Jets fans on social media.

Despite Sunday's 27-20 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, 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.

Mitchell, whom the Colts drafted in the second round in 2024, has big-play potential but has caught only nine passes this year.

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.

New York made a second blockbuster trade later Tuesday, reportedly 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.

The Jets 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.

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