"While not quite on the Herschel Walker/ Eric Dickerson level, the Sauce Gardner blockbuster rivaled the Rams' Jalen Ramsey addition from 2019. Like the Ramsey exchange, the Gardner value brought two first-rounders and another asset (wide receiver Adonai Mitchell, in this case) for a 25-year-old All-Pro cornerback. Barely an hour later, the Jets followed through with a teardown by sending Quinnen Williams to the Cowboys for first- and second-round picks and defensive tackle Mazi Smith."
"From the Colts' perspective, Gardner brings an accomplished starter at a young age. Indianapolis received a player signed through 2030, though New York's contract structure on the July extension limited the Gardner dead money to $19.75MM - far less than the Dolphins just took on for Ramsey or what the Saints absorbed upon trading Marshon Lattimore last year."
The Jets traded All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Colts for two first-round picks and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell, and later sent defensive tackle Quinnen Williams to the Cowboys for first- and second-round picks plus Mazi Smith. The three first-rounders and a 2026 second give New York new decision-makers draft capital to retool, pursue a quarterback in the draft, or trade for a veteran. Indianapolis acquires a young accomplished starter under contract through 2030, with Gardner's dead money limited to $19.75MM. The Colts now carry multiple high-cost defensive back contracts while sitting among the AFC's best records.
Read at Pro Football Rumors
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