Not many people thought the New York Jets would ever trade Sauce Gardner last season, and even fewer that it would be the Indianapolis Colts. It was an old-school, pre-social media trade with no buzz or rumors, just action.
Given the steep return, the trade was polarizing from day one. Gardner was one of the highest-ranked cornerbacks in the game, but giving up two future first-round picks and a player seemed a bit too high a return.
That's why, now that the Los Angeles Rams have acquired Myles Garrett for a similar trade package, Colts fans might want a do-over here. That will only put even more pressure on the former Jets' defensive back.
Sauce Gardner has plenty of work to do with the Indianapolis Colts
The Colts gave up WR Adonai Mitchell and first-round picks in 2026 (No. 16) and 2027 to get Gardner. The Rams got the two-time Defensive Player of the Year and record-holder for the most sacks in a single season for Jared Verse, a 2027 first, a 2028 second-round pick, and a 2029 third-round selection.
Of course, two-time Pro-Bowler and former Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse is a much more valuable player than Mitchell, and the Browns clearly valued him like a first-round pick. Nevertheless, this will be ammo for Chris Ballard's detractors.
Gardner's tenure in Indianapolis got off to a rocky start. An injury limited him to 4 games with his new team. He had 16 total tackles, 3 pass breakups, and gave up a 52.9 percent completion rate for 77 yards and an opposing passer rating of 65.1.
There's no denying that Gardner is on the higher echelon of cornerbacks. He's only given up more than one touchdown once in his four years in the league, and he's already proven that he can shut down the opposing team's best pass catcher.
However, he's no Myles Garrett. He doesn't force opposing teams to change their entire game plans or draw the entire offense's attention in every single snap.
Not having a first-round pick in back-to-back years in a division with three potential playoff teams is far from ideal, and he'll have to prove that he was the missing piece to finally get back to playoff contention.
Putting this type of pressure on him might be unfair and unrealistic, but Gardner will have to deliver a Defensive Player of the Year-caliber season in 2026 to make fans feel better about this move.
Ultimately, one of Ballard's biggest swings might be the one that finally costs him his job. The stakes have never been higher in Indianapolis, and it might all be on Gardner's shoulders.
Add us as a preferred source on Google