Here are three quick takeaways following the news that the Colts have traded for Jets’ CB Sauce Gardner.
Just hours before the NFL’s trade deadline, the Indianapolis Colts made a blockbuster deal, acquiring New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner.
In return for Gardner, the Colts are trading away two first-round draft picks, along with wide receiver AD Mitchell.
Following the news, here are three takeaways on what this move means for the Colts moving forward.
The window is open for the Colts
This is an all-in type of move by GM Chris Ballard. At 7-2 and at the top of the AFC playoff standings, Ballard has pushed the chips into the middle of the table for at least this year and next based on Gardner’s salary cap hits.
Led by their high-powered offense, the Colts have been one of the best teams in football through the first half of the season. Now, their biggest roster hole has not only been addressed, but Ballard did so by acquiring a premier player to that position group.
Gardner’s impact can go well beyond just what he brings as a coverage defender, but his presence can provide the pass rush with a boost and allow Lou Anarumo to be more aggressive — potentially pairing a very good defensive unit with an already high-scoring offense.
What does Sauce Gardner add to the Colts?
Gardner has surrendered some chunk plays, allowing 15.6 yards per catch in 2024 and 17.0 yards per catch this season, but he has been incredibly stingy as a cover cornerback, surrendering a completion rate of just 50.3% over his career.
He’s also had strong ball production with 36 pass breakups in his career, although just three interceptions.
Gardner’s combination of size and coverage skills makes him an excellent fit for Anarumo’s aggressive defensive scheme. Whether in press coverage or on an island, Gardner is comfortable.
As mentioned, that beefed-up coverage presence can have a positive trickle-down effect to the pass rush and how Anarumo calls games.
Cornerback has very quickly gone from being a major question mark to a real strength of this Colts team. Once Charvarius Ward returns from injured reserve, which he’s eligible to do after the bye week, the Colts’ cornerback room will consist of him, Gardner, and Kenny Moore.
Trading away AD Mitchell
Trading away two first-round picks along with AD Mitchell, a former second-round draft pick who isn’t even two years into his NFL career, is a hefty price tag. However, that’s going to be the going rate when acquiring an All-Pro at a premier position, who is still only 25 years old.
Since Mitchell’s touchdown-turned-fumble against the LAÂ Rams, his role offensively has been almost non-existent, with him playing only 24 snaps over the last five games.
Mitchell’s talent is evident, with his impressive combination of speed and route running. However, beyond the fumble in LA, consistency is something he’s been chasing since arriving in Indianapolis.
Not helping Mitchell find playing time is that he was playing at a very deep position group for the Colts.
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