Richard Sherman offered a measured take on Indianapolis’ blockbuster acquisition of cornerback Sauce Gardner, saying he is unsure the move alone vaults the Colts into true Super Bowl contention. Sherman acknowledged Gardner’s elite talent but questioned whether one cornerback changes the balance against the AFC’s top contenders.
Gardner was traded from the New York Jets to Indianapolis in a deal that sent two future first‑round picks and a young receiver to New York, a price that signaled the franchise’s intent to win now. Analysts noted Gardner’s ability to lock down a primary target and his value at the top of a secondary, but Sherman emphasized the broader challenges the team will face in the conference.
New York Jets, Sauce Gardner
Oct 6, 2024; Tottenham, ENG; New York Jets Defensive Back Sauce Gardner arrives for the match against Minnesota Vikings at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shaun Brooks-Imagn Images
Sherman pointed to positional priorities and depth as factors limiting the trade’s immediate impact. He argued that while a shutdown corner reduces offensive options for opponents, pressure on the quarterback from an improved pass rush and consistent offensive firepower are often more decisive in playoff football. On that front, Sherman suggested Indianapolis still has work to do to match teams that have sustained postseason success.
Commentary around the trade underscored competing views: some praised Indianapolis for acquiring a young All‑Pro under contract, while others warned that surrendering draft capital is a steep price if long‑term success remains uncertain. Insiders noted the move also raises questions about the Colts’ commitment to quarterback Daniel Jones and the roster moves needed to support him down the stretch and into the offseason.
Richard Sherman Talks About Indianapolis Colts’ Super Bowl Chances After Trading for Sauce Gardner
NFL, Richard Sherman
Nov 2, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Prime Video’s Thursday Night Football analyst Richard Sherman performs the pre-game show before the Pittsburgh Steelers host the Tennessee Titans at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Sherman recently spoke about Indianapolis’ chances to make the Super Bowl after trading for Gardner. This can be seen in a post shared by NFL on Prime Video on X.
.@RSherman_25 doesn’t think the Colts trading for Sauce Gardner increases their Super Bowl chances 👀 pic.twitter.com/2yZvHAFZ3V
— NFL on Prime Video (@NFLonPrime) November 7, 2025
For fans, the deal offered instant excitement, but Sherman urged realism, noting the AFC includes several well‑rounded teams Indianapolisy would still have to navigate. He stressed that championships are rarely won by a single transaction and often require complementary upgrades across multiple units.
Indianapolis Colts, Sauce Gardner, NFL
Dec 15, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner (1) warms up before a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Sherman’s assessment reframed the Gardner trade as a meaningful but not definitive step toward a title. Whether the Colts can parlay the acquisition into a deep postseason run will depend on subsequent roster management and performance in key matchups.
New York Jets, Sauce Gardner
Jun 10, 2025; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner (1) during minicamp at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
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