Just hours before the trade deadline, the Indianapolis Colts acquired All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner from the New York Jets, sending two first-round picks (2026 and 2027) and wide receiver AD Mitchell to New York in return.
What Did Chris Ballard Say About Sauce Gardner’s Acquisition and AD Mitchell’s Departure?
After the trade became official, general manager Chris Ballard released a statement, sharing his excitement about Sauce Gardner.
“Having the opportunity to acquire a talented player like Sauce Gardner was one we did not want to pass on,” Ballard said. “He was a player that we scouted heavily coming out of college and there’s a reason he was the fourth overall pick. Sauce is a proven cornerback. His skill and competitive nature will elevate everyone’s play on the defensive unit. We’re thrilled he’s a Colt.”
#Colts GM Chris Ballard on acquiring CB Sauce Gardner and parting with WR AD Mitchell: pic.twitter.com/Mz2MH69pSF
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) November 4, 2025
Gardner is a two-time All-Pro and was the 2022 Defensive Rookie of the Year. He has become known as one of the league’s toughest cornerbacks in coverage. Over his career, he has totaled 201 tackles, 143 of which were solo along with three interceptions and 46 passes defended. His PFSN Impact Score is 86.6 with a B grade. He ranks 23rd among all cornerbacks this season.
Ballard’s decision to give up two future first-round picks and a young receiver shows how serious the Colts (7-2) are about contending now. Before the acquisition, cornerback was an issue due to injuries. With Gardner in the lineup, the secondary becomes one of the strongest areas on the roster. His presence should also help the pass rush and allow defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo to call more aggressive plays, knowing that Gardner can take on strong wideouts by himself.
Meanwhile, since Mitchell’s touchdown-turned-fumble against the LA Rams in Week 4, his playing time dropped extensively, as he played only 24 snaps in the past five games. Regarding him, Ballard said:
“On the same note, AD Mitchell is a great person and a great player. We believe he will have success in New York, and we wish him the best as he enters the next chapter of his career.”
Mitchell joins a Jets team that could offer him more opportunities in a thinner receiver room, while the Colts focus on improving their defense for a playoff run.
With Gardner now in the fold, the Colts’ cornerback depth chart looks much stronger. The team has suffered through injuries this season. Charvarius Ward is on injured reserve with a concussion, rookie Justin Walley is out for the year, and Kenny Moore has just returned from an Achilles injury. Gardner is expected to start right away, likely alongside Moore and Jaylon Jones, while Mekhi Blackmon rotates in matchups.