The Indianapolis Colts made headlines recently by trading for cornerback Sauce Gardner, a move that has sparked debate about the worth of elite cornerbacks in today”s NFL. With the team giving up two first-round picks, the question arises: Is any cornerback truly worth such a steep price in the current football landscape?
From the Colts” viewpoint, acquiring Gardner makes sense. They gain a talented young cornerback who is under contract through 2030, a player they likely couldn”t acquire through free agency. As Charvarius Ward prepares to return from injury after their Week 11 bye, defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo can pair him with Gardner to face formidable opponents like the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 12 and any potential playoff rivals. This duo could significantly improve a position that has been a challenge for the Colts in recent seasons.
A defensive coach from another team noted, “Now, when you go against a Philly, you have a chance against A.J. Brown.” The impact of Gardner was evident last Sunday when he nearly intercepted a pass thrown by the Atlanta Falcons” Michael Penix Jr. to Drake London during a game in Germany. His ability to make an athletic play on the ball showcased why the Colts were eager to make this trade. Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner remarked on the NFL Network that there was little Penix could have done differently; Gardner simply outperformed him in that play.
This trade sends a clear message to the Colts” locker room: management is committed to competing immediately. It recognizes the contributions of players like Quenton Nelson, Grover Stewart, DeForest Buckner, Michael Pittman, Kenny Moore, Zaire Franklin, Braden Smith, and Jonathan Taylor, who have weathered the franchise”s tougher times. Although having first-round picks would be beneficial, the Colts are unlikely to land a top quarterback, and their experience with Anthony Richardson serves as a cautionary tale. Indeed, some analysts suggest that Daniel Jones may offer more value than any quarterback available to the Colts in the draft.
Despite the urgency to fill their cornerback void, there are doubts about Gardner”s elite status. An executive from another team commented, “They were desperate for a corner, so I totally get it… Maybe they think they can move Anthony Richardson for something. That said, I”ve never been terribly impressed with Gardner. Derek Stingley was the corner from that draft we liked.” This sentiment raises concerns about whether the Colts overpaid for a player who may not meet the lofty expectations associated with such a trade.
Some analysts believe that if Gardner were truly elite, the New York Jets would have kept him. Instead, the Colts acquired the cornerback they could get, which might not be the game-changing player they hoped for. An offensive coach expressed skepticism, stating, “I think the Jets made a mistake paying him (Gardner) and got out from under it.” This perspective suggests that the Colts may have invested heavily in a player whose impact may not match the price tag.
The changing dynamics of the NFL further complicate the situation. In the past, a top-tier cornerback could neutralize a significant portion of an offense. A defensive coach explained, “You could put that player against Randy Moss in 2000 and hope he has three catches for 60 yards and a touchdown. You can”t do that now because George Kittle or Travis Kelce will have a 150-yard day.” With the evolution of offensive schemes, including the frequent use of three wide receivers, the effectiveness of elite corners has diminished.
Additionally, if Gardner is to shadow the opponent”s best receiver, it could limit the Colts” ability to disguise their coverages, a crucial aspect of modern defensive strategies. According to the defensive coach, “If you travel them in zone, then everyone”s technique changes.” The complexities of coverage schemes may hinder the benefits of having a premier player like Gardner on the field.
In summary, while the Colts have made a significant investment in Sauce Gardner, the implications of this trade extend beyond simple numbers. As the league continues to evolve, the true value of elite cornerbacks in shaping a team”s fortunes remains to be seen.
