[Butter]

I like this take on the trade by Walterfootball.

Colts acquire CB Sauce Gardner from Jets for two first-round picks, WR Adonai Mitchell
The Jaguars traded for a receiver about an hour prior to this deal. The Colts countered by obtaining a player who could easily shut down that receiver. I’d say the Colts won the 2025 trade deadline.

Indianapolis has been a great upstart this year with its No. 1 offense, but the defense was ranked just 15th in EPA. Cornerback, in particular, was a problematic position. That’s not the case anymore in the wake of the Sauce Gardner trade.

The Colts needed a boost in the secondary to compete with the top teams in the AFC. Gardner will certainly provide that boost. He’s a legitimate shutdown cornerback who will allow the Colts to erase one side of the field. Gardner will be especially lethal when paired with Indianapolis’ pass rush, which is ranked third in pressures this season. He’s also just 25, so it’s not like he’ll undergo any regression in the coming years. Surrendering two first-round picks may seem like a lot, but the Colts will be picking in the 20s or perhaps even the 30s, so it won’t be too painful.

Meanwhile, Jets fans can’t feel too good about this trade. The team needs a rebuild, but given that Gardner is just 25, he was supposed to be part of the rebuild. And unless something strange happens next year, the Jets won’t be picking before the mid-20s with either of Indianapolis’ selections.

Grade for Colts – A+
Grade for Jets – C