Sauce Gardner’s days with the New York Jets are over. The two-time All-Pro cornerback was reportedly traded to the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for two first-round draft picks and wide receiver A.D. Mitchell. Gardner had recently signed a four-year, $120.4 million contract extension with the Jets during the offseason. This made him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history at the time.
In addition to the Gardner trade, the Jets made a series of moves at the NFL trade deadline. Moves such as parting ways with other key players such as defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, who was sent to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a first- and second-round pick, along with defensive tackle Mazi Smith. While star wide receiver Garrett Wilson and running back Breece Hall were subjects of trade speculation, both ultimately remain with the Jets. Now, Gardner will join the Colts, a team with strong playoff aspirations. A team where he’ll arguably play the most important role in their defensive schemes.
