The NFL trade deadline is known for delivering surprises, but the New York Jets and Indianapolis Colts orchestrated a move that sent shockwaves across the league. In a blockbuster deal, the Jets traded superstar cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, a player widely considered to be an untouchable cornerstone of their franchise, to the Colts.
Why Was Sauce Gardner Reportedly Stunned by the Trade to the Colts?
While many Jets players, including Breece Hall and Allen Lazard, were the subject of trade rumors leading up to the deadline, Gardner’s name was notably absent from speculation. The move caught not only fans off guard but the star cornerback himself. Allante Gardner, his brother and agent, confirmed the news shortly after it broke. “Sauce Gardner was stunned by the trade,” said Allante Gardner. “Sauce has no negative feelings toward the Jets; he understands it’s a business.”
Sauce Gardner was stunned by the trade, per his brother and agent Allante Gardner, who told me he learned of the deal around 12:15 in a call from the #Jets. They had no inkling before that, he said. Sauce has no negative feelings toward the Jets; he understands it’s a business,…
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) November 4, 2025
In exchange for the decorated cornerback, the Jets received a significant haul. The package included first-round draft picks in 2026 and 2027, along with second-year wide receiver Adonai Mitchell. This move signals a clear shift in direction for the franchise.
Gardner, a four-year pro, is a two-time First Team All-Pro who has already established himself as one of the league’s top defensive players. He ranks as the No. 23 cornerback in PFSN’s 2025 cornerback impact rankings with an 83.6 score. Through seven games in the 2025 season, he has recorded 20 tackles and six passes defensed.
MORE: 2025 NFL Trade Deadline Tracker
The trade comes after Gardner signed a massive four-year, $120.4 million contract extension in the offseason, which made him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history. Despite the shocking move, his agent emphasized that the young star is handling the news well.
“He’s in great spirits,” Ahmad Gardner added. “I told him this is a business decision and he understands that. The Jets made a business decision. They couldn’t turn it down and Ahmad deserves to be on a winning football team.”
Allante Gardner, Sauce’s brother and agent: “I called Ahmad. He’s in great spirits. I told him this is a business decision and he understands that. The Jets made a business decision. They couldn’t turn it down and Ahmad deserves to be on a winning football team.” #Jets
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) November 4, 2025
Gardner now joins a Colts team that leads the AFC South with a 7-2 record and has Super Bowl aspirations. His arrival is expected to immediately boost a defense that ranks in the middle of the pack. According to PFSN’s NFL defense impact rankings, Indianapolis currently holds the No. 15 spot with a 75.0 score.
He will be a key piece in a defensive unit that already features playmakers like DeForest Buckner, Laiatu Latu, Kwity Paye, Zaire Franklin, and Kenny Moore II. The Colts believe adding a lockdown corner like Gardner will bolster their secondary and help secure crucial stops for their high-flying offense.
With this trade, New York officially enters a rebuild, while Indianapolis hopes Gardner is the final piece for a deep playoff run.