At the NFL trade deadline, the Indianapolis Colts acquired cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner from the New York Jets. Does Indy now have the league’s best cornerback room? Cody Felger of the “Bring the Juice” podcast thinks so:
“I think if Sauce Gardner can get back to where he was, you know, his first couple years with the New York Jets, I think that, honestly, the Colts have the best cornerback room in the NFL. If Charvarius Ward comes back after the bye (week), the Colts have the best cornerback room in the NFL.”
Felger could be right. Only time will tell.
‘The Colts Have the Best Cornerback Room in the NFL’ – Analyst Is Hyped About Sauce Gardner Trade
Indianapolis Colts cornerback Sauce Gardner meets with the media on Thursday, November 6, 2025.
Who’s in the Cornerback Room?
Sauce Gardner hasn’t played a game for the Colts yet. But without a doubt, he’s the biggest star of the team’s cornerback room.
The Jets selected Gardner fourth overall in the 2022 NFL Draft. He immediately became one of the league’s top shutdown cornerbacks. During his first year, Gardner won the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award and was named a first-team All-Pro. He was a first-team All-Pro the following season as well.
Gardner isn’t the only All-Pro in Indy’s cornerback room. The Colts also have Charvarius Ward, who’s in his first season with the team. When healthy, the former San Francisco 49er is one of the best defensive backs in the league. Ward is currently on the IR and is expected to return in a couple of weeks. Once he comes back, he’ll start opposite Gardner.
2021 Pro Bowler Kenny Moore II serves as the slot corner. Meanwhile, Jaylon Jones, who has started 28 of his 36 career games, will be a backup once Ward returns to the field. Mekhi Blackmon and Johnathan Edwards are also a part of the CB room.
Is It the League’s Best Cornerback Room?
Sauce Gardner, Ward, and Moore haven’t played together yet. However, they could become a sensational trio once they do.
Colts head coach Shane Steichen spoke about the challenge the team’s defense will now pose to opponents (via Colts.com).
“That’s a problem, obviously, as an offensive guy looking at defenses. You’ve got to try to find ways to free your guys up because you know they’re going to be sticky in coverage. So it’s great for our football team to have those two guys along with the other guys we got there.”
The Colts have an explosive offense. Jonathan Taylor might be the league’s top running back, and Daniel Jones has emerged as the team’s franchise quarterback. Plus, they possess a great offensive line and solid pass-catchers like Michael Pittman Jr. and rookie tight end Tyler Warren.
Now, with the addition of Sauce Gardner, the Colts’ defense should improve dramatically. Indianapolis gave up quite a bit to land Gardner, sending two first-round picks to the Jets. But if he plays like the All-Pro that he was earlier in his career, the trade will certainly be worth it.
If Gardner, Ward, and Moore can find a way to stay healthy, they will be the best cornerback room in the league.
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