"As conversations between the teams intensified, the Colts became increasingly convinced that two-time All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner could help them make a deep postseason push. Their offense, led by surprise standout Daniel Jones at quarterback, was performing at levels not seen since Hall of Famer Peyton Manning roamed the halls at Colts headquarters. Why not ensure that the defense was also able to handle the inevitable challenges that awaited in the postseason?"
"The playoffs seemed like a sure thing at the time, considering the Colts were tied for the NFL's best record (7-2). ESPN's Football Power Index gave the Colts a 93.9% chance of making the playoffs and a 79.4% chance of winning the AFC South. So, on Nov. 4, hours before the NFL's trade deadline, the Colts acquired Gardner for two first-round picks and 2024 second-round receiver Adonai Mitchell."
The Colts executed an aggressive midseason move, acquiring two-time All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner from the Jets in a high-cost trade that included two first-round picks and receiver Adonai Mitchell. Indianapolis believed its offense, led by Daniel Jones, was operating at elite levels and sought to fortify the defense for a deep postseason push in 2025. The team entered the deal tied for the NFL's best record (7-2) and carried very high playoff probabilities per ESPN's Football Power Index. The trade represented an uncharacteristic, high-risk strategy by GM Chris Ballard focused on immediate contention.
Read at ESPN.com
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