Star cornerback Sauce Gardner expressed excitement after being traded from the New York Jets to the Indianapolis Colts in a blockbuster deal at the NFL trade deadline. The move sends him to a 7-2 contender from a struggling 1-7 team, and he is cleared to debut Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons in Berlin. Gardner called the situation a 'blessing' and highlighted being closer to home.
The New York Jets traded two-time All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts as part of a defensive fire sale at the 2025 NFL trade deadline. In exchange, the Jets received wide receiver Adonai Mitchell and two first-round draft picks. Gardner, who signed a four-year, $120 million contract extension with New York in July averaging $30.1 million annually, remains under team control through 2030.
Speaking to the media in Indianapolis on Thursday, two days after the trade, Gardner shared his surprise and enthusiasm. 'I'm not going to lie, I didn't even have time to process it all the way,' he said. 'I just knew like I was coming into a great situation.' He noted reuniting with Colts receiver Alec Pierce and the team's winning record, adding, 'It's a great situation for me, I feel like... God just keeps blessing me in many ways. It's truly a blessing to be here.'
The Jets, who never won more than seven games during Gardner's three-and-a-half seasons and sit at 1-7 this year, also dealt defensive tackle Quinnen Williams to the Dallas Cowboys. Gardner, the 2022 Defensive Rookie of the Year and a two-time first-team All-Pro, led the league in passes defended as a rookie. He enjoyed his time in New York but did not request a trade, unlike unconfirmed reports about running back Breece Hall.
For the Colts, first in the AFC South at 7-2, Gardner addresses a pass defense ranked in the bottom quarter of the league, allowing 244.8 yards per game. Injuries have plagued Indy's secondary, including season-ending issues for rookies and stints for Pro Bowl players like Kenny Moore and Charvarius Ward. Defensive backs coach Jerome Henderson praised Gardner's quick integration: 'He's already one of the guys... the way he communicates in walk-throughs.'
Gardner has cleared concussion protocol and is set to play in the Colts' international game against the Falcons in Berlin, marking his first postseason-contending opportunity after no playoff appearances with the Jets.