The Indianapolis Colts are sending two first-round picks to the New York Jets in exchange for star cornerback Sauce Gardner, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter — a blockbuster move just before Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline.
In the deal, the Jets will receive the Colts’ 2026 and 2027 first-round selections, as well as wide receiver AD Mitchell, whom Indianapolis drafted in the second round of 2024.
Gardner had recently signed a four-year, $120.4 million extension with New York earlier this offseason.
Now, just months later, he’s headed to Indianapolis to join the 7-2 Colts.
GettyEAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – OCTOBER 05: Sauce Gardner #1 of the New York Jets prepares to take the field ahead of the NFL 2025 game against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium on October 05, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Sauce Gardner Says Goodbye to New York for Indianapolis
Gardner took to X as news of the trade broke. “New York it’s been real,” he wrote.
Gardner, the fourth overall pick in the 2022 draft, earned NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors that same season. He remains the only cornerback since the 1970 NFL-AFL merger to be named first-team All-Pro in each of his first two years.
The Jets signed him to a long-term deal in July, just one day after finalizing an extension with wide receiver Garrett Wilson, solidifying what was expected to be the core of their franchise.
However, the 2025 season has unraveled for the Jets under first-year head coach Aaron Glenn, as they sit at 1-7. Gardner also missed Week 8 due to a concussion.
Jermaine Johnson II Reacts to Losing Teammate
Other current and former players react to the news as well, including Jets defensive end Jermaine Johnson II, who first posted a GIF of Jon Stewart, “Daily Show” host,” eating popcorn in anticipation of something big. Once Schefter reported the news, Johnson then sent a GIF of a shocked Brian Griffin, the dog from the animated series “Family Guy.”
GettyCINCINNATI, OHIO – OCTOBER 26: Samaje Perine #34 of the Cincinnati Bengals avoids a tackle by Jermaine Johnson #11 and Malachi Moore #27 of the New York Jets during the third quarter in the game at Paycor Stadium on October 26, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Perine scored a touchdown on the play. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
Former Colts punter and current media personality Pat McAfee shared his reaction to the blockbuster trade during his ESPN show.
“Sauce, welcome to town, brother,” McAfee said on “The Pat McAfee Show.”
Reporters React to ‘Shocking’ News
Media personalities and reporters from around the NFL reacted to the news, seemingly shocked by the developments.
“WOW. A massive trade,” said ESPN’s Field Yates. “The Colts land a premier corner and the Jets get a gigantic package in return.”
Colts ESPN reporter, Stephen Holder, seemed surprised. “I said they were looking for a serviceable corner,” he wrote. “But I didn’t say all this! Sheesh!”
Jets reporter for The Athletic, Zack Rosenblatt, called it “one of the most shocking trades I can ever remember.”
New Colts teammate Alec Pierce will be ready to face Gardner at practice, according to Zak Keefer at The Athletic.
“Good tidbit — when Alec Pierce was at Cincinnati, he told the coaches to put the team’s best cornerback on him everyday at practice,” Keefer wrote. “For two straight years, ‘Alec wouldn’t go up against anyone else,’ one coach said. That corner was Sauce Gardner. Now they’re teammates in Indy.”
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