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Colts' Gardner Trade: A Costly Gamble?
13 Feb
Summary
- Colts traded two first-round picks and Adonai Mitchell for Sauce Gardner.
- Gardner played only four games in 2025 due to a calf strain.
- Despite injuries, Gardner showed elite shutdown corner potential.
In a pivotal 2025 season, the Indianapolis Colts made a monumental trade, sending their 2026 and 2027 first-round draft selections and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell to the New York Jets for star cornerback Sauce Gardner. This aggressive move aimed to bolster the team's defense and elevate their Super Bowl aspirations.
However, Gardner's tenure with the Colts was significantly impacted by a calf strain that sidelined him for most of the season, allowing him to play in only four games. This injury cast a shadow over the high-stakes trade, particularly after an initial strong 8-2 start by the Colts.
Despite the limited playing time and other defensive injuries, including cornerback Charvarius Ward missing ten games, Gardner demonstrated flashes of his elite capability. He recorded 16 tackles and three pass breakups, earning a strong 76.9 overall defensive grade from Pro Football Focus, with an impressive 84.5 in run defense.
With precautions taken to manage his calf strain, the Colts anticipate Gardner's full return in 2026. If healthy, he and Charvarius Ward could form one of the league's most formidable cornerback duos, reigniting hopes for contention.
