The New York Jets pulled off one of the more notable trades that we have seen in the NFL in recent memory on Tuesday afternoon. In a surprise blockbuster deal just hours before the deadline, they sent All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts, and in turn have set their franchise up for the future.
Jets, Colts Pull Off Blockbuster NFL Trade
In exchange for Gardner’s services, the Jets will acquire two first round picks from Indianapolis, as well as wide receiver Adonai Mitchell.
Given their 1-7 record, the Jets were widely projected to be sellers before Tuesday’s trade deadline. The names that were most often mentioned included Breece Hall and Michael Carter, the latter of whom was shipped off to the Philadelphia Eagles last week. And while many anticipated a fire sale of sorts, few saw Gardner as a potential candidate.
Full trade:
🏈Colts receive CB Sauce Gardner.
🏈Jets receive 2026 and 2027 first-round picks and WR AD Mitchell.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 4, 2025
It was thought that after he signed a four-year, $120 million extension in the offseason, Sauce Gardner was a part of the team’s long term plans. But the offer from Indianapolis was obviously one that they couldn’t refuse.
Jets Load Up On Future Draft Picks
While the Colts receive an elite cornerback, the Jets are now loaded up on picks. New York now has four first round selections to work with in the next two NFL Drafts, which will be key in their attempt to rebuild under their new coaching regime. If the season were to end today, Aaron Glenn and company would hold the 3rd, 32nd, and 35th overall picks in 2026.
In addition, they now have two selections within the first 32 in 2027, as well.
TRADE GRADES:
- New York Jets: A-
- Indianapolis Colts: B
The assets have a chance to become even more valuable. While they are currently slated for the 3rd overall pick, the Jets have a shot at having the worst record in the NFL in 2025, and could even end up in the top spot. And unless the Colts win the Super Bowl this season, the 2026 first rounder that they sent to New York will be better than the 32nd.
In addition, the Jets nabbed a young wide receiver in the trade. The Colts used a second-round pick to select Mitchell in 2024, though he had yet to blossom despite their improved offensive attack in 2025.
Colts Are Clearly In Win-Now Mode
The Colts are pushing all of their chips into the middle of the table. The AFC appears to be wide open this season with the Chiefs, Bills, and Ravens all showing vulnerabilities, and Indianapolis is looking to take advantage. While he will obviously be a part of their long-term plans, the decision to give up valuable assets for Gardner is clearly a win-now move.
So far this season, Sauce Gardner has played in 7 games and has 20 combined tackles to go along with 6 passes defended.
