The Indianapolis Colts made a massive splash during Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline, acquiring All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner from the New York Jets for two first-round draft picks and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell. Colts quarterback Daniel Jones spoke to the media for the first time since his team acquired Gardner and opened up about what it means to get a player of his caliber on the squad.
“We’re excited to have Sauce, excited to continue to build this thing,” Jones said on Wednesday, Nov. 5. “Obviously, as players, that’s a good thing, feel the confidence, feel the energy of the whole thing.”
The move to acquire Gardner and forfeit a significant amount of draft capital shows that the Colts’ front office is fully bought in on this current iteration of their team. Gardner is also under contract until 2030, meaning Indianapolis believes he can grow with the team as they look to become consistent contenders.
“I practiced against him a few times in New York, really good player obviously, tremendous, he’s an All-Pro player,” Jones said. “Any time you can get a player like that is huge.”
Gardner Solidifies Already Strong Colts Secondary
With Sauce Gardner now in the mix in the Indianapolis secondary, it may have a strong case as one of the top units in the NFL. Mekhi Blackmon, Kenny Moore and Chris Lammons have all had strong seasons at CB, while safeties Nick Cross and Cam Bynum have been dynamic in every aspect of the game.
Cross and Bynum have combined for over 100 tackles through nine weeks. Bynum has two interceptions, while Cross has one and has registered 1.5 sacks.
Gardner has had a relatively slow season for his standards, though a change of scenery could be just what he needs as he’s coming from arguably the worst team in the NFL. In seven games this season, he has defended six passes and registered 20 tackles.
Even if Gardner doesn’t get back to All-Pro form this season, his addition gives the Colts incredible depth on the outside.
Indianapolis Looks to Get Back In Win Column in Week 10
The Colts are heading to Berlin, Germany for their week 10 showdown against the Atlanta Falcons. Indianapolis is coming off of a 27-20 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in week nine, just their second of the season.
Meanwhile, Atlanta narrowly fell to the New England Patriots in week nine, 24-23, after kicker Parker Romo missed an extra point late in the fourth quarter that would have tied the game.
Despite their 3-5 record, the Falcons have been the NFL’s Jekyll and Hyde act of the 2025 season. They’ve put up strong wins over the Buffalo Bills and Washington Commanders, but have also been pumped by the Carolina Panthers and Miami Dolphins.
Falcons’ receiver Drake London is coming off a career game against New England where he aught nine passes for 118 yards and three touchdowns. This will be a big test for the Colts secondary no matter who gets put up against him.
Colts-Falcons kicks off in Berlin at 9:30 a.m. ET. Indianapolis is 6.5 point favorites.
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