Jets Trade Sauce Gardner to Colts for Two First-Round Picks

The New York Jets have made a significant trade, just months after extending the contract of their star cornerback, Sauce Gardner. Reports indicate he will be heading to the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for two first-round draft picks.

While the Jets managed to secure their first victory of the season in Week 8 against the Cincinnati Bengals, they sit at a disappointing 1-7 record. Given this uncertain outlook, new general manager Darren Mousey decided to part ways with Gardner, who has shown immense talent throughout his career.

Interestingly, only weeks prior to the season, the Jets had secured Gardner’s services with a four-year deal worth $120.4 million. In his fourth NFL season, he had previously earned first-team All-Pro honors in each of his first two seasons. He also captured the Defensive Rookie of the Year award following a standout performance in 2022, while wide receiver Garrett Wilson picked up the Offensive Rookie of the Year honor just a day earlier with a similar contract.

Alongside Gardner, the Jets will receive wide receiver Adonai Mitchell in return.

This season, Gardner has recorded 20 tackles and defended six passes. Although some rumors pointed to running back Breece Hall being the next player to be moved due to his expiring contract, it looks like Gardner is the first significant change. However, Hall’s future remains in question, and it’s quite possible he will be traded soon as well.

Drafted fourth overall by Cincinnati in 2020, Gardner’s journey has been quite remarkable, paralleling the sixth overall pick, Wilson. The last major trade of a second-string player in his prime for the Jets was Jamal Adams, which also netted them two first-round picks.