The Indianapolis Colts made one of the biggest splashes of the 2025 NFL trade deadline, landing All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner from the New York Jets in a blockbuster move that immediately reshapes their defense and long-term plans.
Here’s a look at the selections the Colts will have at the 2026 NFL Draft following the Gardner trade.
What Did the Indianapolis Colts Give Up for Acquiring Sauce Gardner From the Jets?
The Colts dealt away their next two first-round picks for the 2026 and 2027 NFL Draft, plus wide receiver Adonai Mitchell, the 52nd overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. That’s a hefty price tag, but with Indianapolis willing to pay the price, the risk might be worth it for a two-time All-Pro corner still in his mid-20s.
According to the PFSN’s NFL CB Impact metrics, Gardner has a CB Impact Score of 84.5 this season and grades out to a B. But he’s seen his numbers go down in his time with the Jets. In his rookie season in 2022, Gardner had a 101.5 CB Impact Score and graded out to an A+.
The 25-year-old cornerback was the fourth overall pick in 2022 and had just signed a four-year, $120.4 million contract extension with the Jets this offseason. However, with New York struggling at 1-7 in the AFC East under head coach Aaron Glenn, the switch shifts Gardner to a Super Bowl Contender, who had the joint-best record (7-2) in the AFC heading into the deadline.
MORE: 2025 NFL Trade Deadline Tracker
Indianapolis is also ranked first in PFSN’s Offensive Impact metrics rating with a 94.7 score and Grade A. Steichen’s offense ranks among the league’s most efficient, producing 6.3 yards per play and 3.25 points per drive, both elite numbers through nine games.
Led by Daniel Jones, the Colts average 32.2 points per game and have logged 2,320 passing yards and 1,130 rushing yards already this season. However, defensively, Indianapolis is ranked only 15th in PFSN’s Defensive Impact rating with a 75.0 score and a C grade.
New York it’s been real💚
— SAUCE GARDNER (@iamSauceGardner) November 4, 2025
The Colts rank 26th in passing yards allowed and 15th in passing touchdowns conceded through nine games. It makes a dominant cornerback like Gardner a logical target to shore up their weakest link in pass defense.
What Picks Do the Eagles Still Have in 2026?
The Colts currently hold five selections in the 2026 NFL draft. They are without a sixth-round draft pick after trading for Mekhi Blackmon before the 2025 season began.
Now, they are also without a first-round pick following the Gardner trade. The Colts are projected to receive sixth and seventh-round compensatory draft picks, but this has not yet been officially confirmed, so those selections cannot be traded at this time.
Here are the selections they currently have for the 2026 NFL Draft:
- Round 2
- Round 3
- Round 4
- Round 5
- Round 7
The Colts may have mortgaged one premium pick for Sauce Gardner, but they gained a cornerstone defender without crippling their future draft flexibility. At 7-2, Indianapolis is in the thick of the AFC race alongside the New England Patriots and Denver Broncos.
With Gardner now in the mix, the Colts’ secondary instantly becomes one of the most intimidating in football. If QB Jones and the offense sustain their explosive pace, Indianapolis could be positioned for its first deep playoff run since the Andrew Luck era.