Just as fans were long hoping for, the Indianapolis Colts made sure this year's NFL trade deadline was a wild one. What we might not have seen coming, though, is the exact move that Chris Ballard decided to make.
The Colts went out and dealt a pair of first-round picks in exchange for New York Jets star cornerback Sauce Gardner. Also included in the deal, Indy sent wide receiver Adonai Mitchell to New York.
The addition of Gardner, though, says absolutely everything you need to know about quarterback Daniel Jones and his future with the franchise. With just one move, the Colts said, "You're our guy."
Sauce Gardner trade all but confirms the Colts will extend Daniel Jones
Fans have already been expecting an extension for Jones. It only seems right after the season these Colts have had with Jones under center.
Forget the recent loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. You could argue that this was maybe the only game, all season, that Jones didn't play well. Otherwise, he has been steady for this franchise who has long been in need of filling the void once left by Andrew Luck.
Giving up a pair of first rounders for any player essentially cements a team as a legitimate contender. A trade like this screams, "win now," but because of Gardner's age, it also offers perspective on the future.
Gardner is just 25 years old. Jones is still only 28, mind you. Go ahead and do the math. These two are now Colts franchise cornerstones. There is no doubt about Jones' extension coming. Now, it's just a matter of when, not if.
Not lost in all of this craziness is the aspect of Mitchell heading to New York. Jones has his arsenal of targets locked down with Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, Alec Pierce and Tyler Warren. Throw in Jonathan Taylor, and you've got a full selection of strong weaponry on offense.
There was no room for Mitchell, nor did it ever feel like this was going to work out. Jones has his guys. Meanwhile, Mitchell gets a fresh start elsewhere.
Back to the defensive side of the ball, and fans truly just witnessed Ballard going all-in on an area the team needed to attack most. We knew this defense needed a cornerback, but fans didn't expect it to be Sauce.
Sure enough, Ballard was full of surprises at just the right time.