Jets Trade Sauce Gardner to Colts

The Jets orchestrated a significant trade during the NFL deadline, parting ways with cornerback Sauce Gardner, just a few months after giving him a hefty four-year, $120.4 million contract extension.

Interestingly, this trade seems to benefit the Jets financially. Gardner’s extension will see him earn $13.75 million this season, but his annual salary will drop to only $1.25 million. Consequently, the Colts are set to cover the bulk of his contract by 2026.

According to reports from Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, Gardner’s salary is projected to increase to $25.5 million by 2026, $24.95 million in 2027, and $20.2 million in 2028.

Pro Football Talk also noted that since the trade occurred after June 1, it won’t incur any additional cap hit for the Jets this season, only a $2.75 million allocation and an $8.25 million acceleration in the following year.

In return, the Jets received two first-round picks and receiver AD Mitchell, marking an interesting trade for the No. 4 overall selection from the 2020 draft.

There had been no indications of Gardner being available for trade, as his agent and brother, Allante Gardner, mentioned he had no clue such a move was in the works prior to the transaction.

Responding to the news on X, Gardner remarked, “New York, it was real,” reflecting on his time with the team.

While the Jets are struggling this season with a 1-7 record, the Colts have been performing notably well. Their general manager, Chris Ballard, expressed that he didn’t want to miss the chance to acquire Gardner.

He stated, “He was a player we focused on scouting coming out of college, and there’s a reason why we selected him fourth overall. His skill and competitive spirit will enhance the play of everyone on the defensive unit. We are excited to have him as a Colt. Similarly, AD Mitchell is a great person and a great player. We believe he will be successful in New York and wish him the best as he enters the next chapter of his career.”