The Indianapolis Colts have made one of the highest‑profile moves of the 2025 NFL trade deadline: acquiring All‑Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner from the New York Jets in exchange for two coveted first‑round draft picks and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell.
However, Gardner’s first game with Indianapolis has left some to be desired
Colts’ Sauce Gardner Allows Key Score For Falcons
Atlanta Falcons' Drake London vs Indianapolis Colts' Sauce Gardner - Photo via Twitter (X)
Atlanta Falcons’ Drake London vs Indianapolis Colts’ Sauce Gardner – Photo via Twitter (X)
Here is a video of the play:
SAUCE GARDNER GOT COOKED.
HOLY SH*T 🕊️🕊️🕊️
pic.twitter.com/qXJ4U4E1fW
— MLFootball (@MLFootball) November 9, 2025
Fans were quick to react to this play:
Gave away their future for THIS? 🤣 pic.twitter.com/BB8MkJy5fx
— Chuck (@DawgPoundChuck) November 9, 2025
Can we get a refund boss ?! 🙏
— Football stats – Inside the numbers (@TheFifthQtr_NFL) November 9, 2025
2 first rounders for THAT
— 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔇𝔢𝔱𝔯𝔬𝔦𝔱 𝔗𝔦𝔪𝔢𝔰 📰 (@the_det_times) November 9, 2025
To be fair, He’s going against Drake London
— Corey Ponder (@CoreyPonder24) November 9, 2025
While fans have been critical of this play, overall, Gardner is expected to make the Colts that much better.
Why This Move Matters
For the Colts: Adding Gardner elevates their defensive backfield instantly. It underscores that they are not simply competing, but aiming for a deep playoff run.
For the Jets: Trading Gardner signals a rebuild. They receive significant future capital and a young receiver in Mitchell — but give up a cornerstone defender.
For the league: Trades involving multiple first‑round picks for a cornerback remain rare, meaning this deal is already being ranked among the most impactful in recent memory.
Gardner’s Fit in Indianapolis
Gardner’s credentials are strong: selected No. 4 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, later signed to a major contract extension with the Jets, and hailed for his shutdown ability against top receivers.
In Indianapolis, he will immediately step into a defense that has shown promise but lacked a truly elite corner in recent years. The addition could reshape how opponents attack the Colts and give the team a defensive anchor for seasons to come.
Potential Risks & Rewards
[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Nov 9, 2025; Berlin, GERMANY; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Sauce Gardner (1) reacts against the Atlanta Falcons during the Berlin Game at Olympic Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lisi Niesner/Reuters via Imagn Images
[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Nov 9, 2025; Berlin, GERMANY; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Sauce Gardner (1) reacts against the Atlanta Falcons during the Berlin Game at Olympic Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lisi Niesner/Reuters via Imagn Images
While the upside is clear, the price is steep. Giving up two first‑round draft picks means the Colts are investing heavily now — which raises questions about long‑term flexibility and depth.
For the Jets, losing a high‑caliber player like Gardner is a blow in the short term, but the return of draft capital gives them options to re‑tool their roster for the future.
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