Stephen A. Smith has shared his thoughts on the recent trade made by the Indianapolis Colts to acquire cornerback Sauce Gardner. The Colts finalized the deal on Tuesday, sending two future first-round picks, specifically for 2026 and 2027, along with wide receiver Adonai Mitchell to the New York Jets.
On Wednesday”s episode of “First Take,” Smith broke down the significance of this trade for the Colts, emphasizing the necessity of bolstering their secondary. He expressed confidence in Gardner”s potential, stating that his arrival could lead to a successful career in Indianapolis.
Gardner was selected as the fourth overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. His transition from the Cincinnati Bearcats to the Jets has proven fruitful, as he has quickly established himself as one of the premier defensive players in the NFL. Garnering the title of Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2022, Gardner also earned both Pro Bowl and First-Team All-Pro honors, achievements he has maintained into the current season.
With a total of 55 NFL games under his belt, Gardner”s stats include 201 tackles, six tackles for loss, one sack, 47 passes defended, one forced fumble, and three interceptions. Currently, he ranks third in the league for passes defended and leads in completion percentage allowed, sitting at 50.3% since he entered the league.
Standing at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 190 pounds, Gardner brings an imposing presence to the Colts” defense. His speed allows him to effectively cover opposing receivers from various angles. Colts general manager Chris Ballard recognized Gardner”s importance, highlighting how valuable he will be to the team”s defensive strategy.
As the Colts currently hold a 7-2 record and lead the AFC South playoff race, the addition of Gardner may prove critical as they aim for postseason success.
