Jets’ Locker Room Reacts to Sauce Gardner Trade

This week, the trade of Sauce Gardner to the Colts stirred quite a bit of emotion in the Jets’ locker room.

However, it also created an opportunity for rookie Azaleai Thomas, who is now stepping into Gardner’s role as a starting cornerback.

“It’s a blessing,” Thomas expressed. “You dream of starting in the NFL. Now I have my own goals to chase.” To achieve that, he mentioned he’s focused on competing fiercely, executing well, and supporting his teammates on the field.

Thomas’s upcoming game against the Browns will actually be his second consecutive start.

He previously started against the Bengals when Gardner was sidelined due to a concussion.

During that game, Thomas allowed one notable play, a 44-yard touchdown to Tee Higgins, but he otherwise performed well, especially considering he faced off against Higgins and another talented receiver, Ja’Marr Chase.

“Overall, I thought it was pretty good,” Thomas reflected on his performance against the Bengals. “But I can always improve. I tend to be my toughest critic. I just need to polish up the small details. That touchdown with Tee Higgins? I was in great position but, perhaps, I reacted too soon. I looked back just for a split second and, well, he was off to the races. But the next play, I was confident no one was going to outpace me.”

While Thomas is excited about the chance to play, he also feels a sense of loss with Gardner’s departure.

“I learned so much from him, like how he studies film, the way he analyzes route concepts,” Thomas shared. “When you have a player like that, not everyone is forthcoming with their insights. But he shared everything with me and the team. It’s unfortunate he’s gone, but I have to keep moving forward.”

In other news, the Jets have promoted OL Cole Levao and DT Peyton Page from the practice squad for Sunday’s game.