The Indianapolis Colts have acquired two-time All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner from the New York Jets in a stunning trade ahead of Tuesday's NFL deadline, according to multiple reports. The Colts will send two first-round picks to New York in exchange for Gardner, the No 4 overall pick in the 2022 draft.
Gardner, who earned All-Pro honours in each of his first two seasons, posted on X: “New York it’s been real” with a green heart emoji. The trade comes months after he signed a four-year, $120.4m extension with the Jets, making him one of the highest-paid cornerbacks in NFL history. The Jets, now 1-7, have not made the playoffs since 2010 – the longest drought in the league – and appear to be rebuilding.
In a second blockbuster move, the Jets also traded defensive lineman Quinnen Williams to the Dallas Cowboys for a 2026 second-round pick, a 2027 first-round pick and defensive tackle Mazi Smith, according to two people with knowledge of the deal. The Cowboys also acquired linebacker Logan Wilson from the Cincinnati Bengals for a seventh-round pick.
Elsewhere, the Philadelphia Eagles have been aggressive, adding edge rusher Jaelan Phillips, cornerbacks Michael Carter II and Jaire Alexander. The Baltimore Ravens acquired defensive end Dre'Mont Jones from Tennessee for a conditional fifth-round pick. Several other trades were made in recent weeks, including moves involving Joe Flacco, Roger McCreary, Keion White, Kyle Dugger, and Greg Newsome II.
With the 7-2 Colts adding Gardner to an already strong secondary, they are pushing for Super Bowl contention. Meanwhile, speculation continues around potential moves for Bengals All-Pro edge rusher Trey Hendrickson and Jets running back Breece Hall before the deadline.
