The New York Jets made a significant move ahead of the trade deadline on Tuesday, parting ways with standout cornerback Sauce Gardner. The Jets traded Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for first-round draft picks in 2026 and 2027, along with second-year wide receiver AD Mitchell.
This trade marks a drastic shift for the 25-year-old Gardner, who was considered a cornerstone of the Jets” future. Now, he joins a Colts team that currently boasts a strong 7-2 record and aims to enhance its defense as the season progresses.
Gardner had recently signed a lucrative four-year, $120.4 million extension with the Jets in July, solidifying his role in what was expected to be a transformative phase under new general manager Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn. However, the Jets find themselves struggling with a dismal 1-7 record as they approach Week 10, indicating a pressing need for a roster overhaul.
The acquisition of two first-round picks is expected to provide the Jets with valuable resources to rebuild their team. Although Gardner”s performance had fluctuated in recent seasons, he was still recognized as one of the elite cornerbacks in the league, a fact that contributed to Mougey”s decision to extend his contract just a day after securing an extension for another key player, wide receiver Garrett Wilson.
With this trade, Gardner”s time with the Jets comes to an abrupt end, occurring only four months after he agreed to the extension. For further updates on Sauce Gardner and the Jets, fans can visit AMNY.com.
