The Indianapolis Colts shocked the nation on the eve of the NFL trade deadline by acquiring two-time All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner from the New York Jets.
In rookie head coach Aaron Glenn’s first season in New York, the Jets have fallen to 1-7 through eight games. With no long-term security at the quarterback position and the current regime likely on its way out, the Jets make a move for the future and deal away one of their defensive cornerstones.
For the Colts, it’s a win-now move that signals the team truly believes it can ride quarterback Daniel Jones’ career resurgence to a Super Bowl victory. Indianapolis leverages its future for a title shot in 2025, sending away two premium draft selections and 2024 second-round wide receiver AD Mitchell.
Mitchell has nine receptions for 152 yards and zero touchdowns through eight games. His best performance came against the Los Angeles Rams where he caught three balls for 96 yards. Mitchell came an inch shy of recording his first touchdown of the season in a now-infamous moment where he dropped the ball before crossing the pylon, costing his team the score and the game.
This trade will serve as a turning point for both teams. The Colts roll the dice in its largest trade since the start of the decade; the Jets waive the white flag and revert to square one of the rebuilding process.
