The Indianapolis Colts sent two first-round picks to the New York Jets for Pro Bowl cornerback Sauce Gardner on Tuesday.
Gardner, 25, was the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2022 and is a two-time Pro Bowl and All-Pro first-team selection since being selected with the No. 4 overall pick in 2022.
“New York it’s been real,” Gardner posted on X, along with a green heart emoji.
The Jets will receive the Colts’ first-round picks in 2026 and 2027 along with wide receiver Adonai Mitchell in exchange for Gardner.
“Having the opportunity to acquire a talented player like Sauce Gardner was one we did not want to pass on,” Colts general manager Chris Ballard said in a statement. “He was a player that we scouted heavily coming out of college and there’s a reason he was the fourth overall pick.
“Sauce is a proven cornerback. His skill and competitive nature will elevate everyone’s play on the defensive unit. We’re thrilled he’s a Colt. On the same note, AD Mitchell is a great person and a great player. We believe he will have success in New York, and we wish him the best as he enters the next chapter of his career.”
The Jets (1-7) swerved directly into a rebuild on defense, reportedly trading tree-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Quinnen Williams to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for defensive tackle Mazi Smith, a 2026 second-round pick and 2027 first-round selection.
Gardner recorded 20 tackles and six passes defensed in the first seven games this season before missing the Week 8 win at Cincinnati in concussion protocol. The Jets had a bye last weekend.
He signed a four-year, $120.4 million contract extension in July that made him the NFL’s highest-paid player at his position with a $30.1 million average annual value.
Gardner has recorded three interceptions, 46 passes defensed, 201 tackles and one forced fumble in 55 games (all starts).
Mitchell, 23, has nine catches for 152 yards in eight games this season. He was 32 receptions for 464 yards in 25 career games since being selected by Indianapolis in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
The Colts (7-2) are enjoying their best season since their last trip to the playoffs in 2020.
–Field Level Media
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