Sauce Gardner Joins Colts in Major Trade Deal
In an unexpected turn of events before the NFL trade deadline, Sauce Gardner, the talented cornerback and two-time All-Pro, was traded from the New York Jets to the Indianapolis Colts. The news reportedly left Gardner so overwhelmed that he found himself "running in circles" at home.
The Shock of the Trade
“Running in circles in the house” is how Gardner described his reaction upon learning of the trade. During his inaugural press conference in Indianapolis, he expressed his excitement about joining a winning team.
"I didn’t even have time to process it all the way,” Gardner, 25, stated. "I just knew that I was coming into a great situation… I’m about to be back with my boy [wideout] Alec [Pierce]."
Gardner and Pierce are former college teammates at the University of Cincinnati, and their reunion is one of the highlights of this transition.
A Smart Move for Both Sides
Gardner elaborated on why the trade made sense for him personally: “These last couple days I’ve been having to learn the playbook at a pace that I didn’t know I was capable of learning the playbook.” He emphasized that with the Colts currently winning games, he could significantly contribute to their success.
“I was happy but at the same time I didn’t have no time to be like, ‘Dang I’m getting traded right now.’ It was all good vibes because at the end of the day who’s going to feel sorry? That’s part of the business,” Gardner reflected.
The Details of the Trade
The trade involved significant assets, with the Colts sending:
- Two first-round picks
- Wide receiver AD Mitchell
In exchange, the Jets received Gardner, whom they had selected fourth overall in the 2022 NFL Draft. Gardner noted, “It was a great situation for me… I was just like, ‘Please let it be my ideal situation. I don’t want to go to a losing team or a team on the other side of the world.’”
With the trade, the Jets are looking to rebuild under new head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey after a disappointing 1-7 start.
Gardner’s Transition to Indianapolis
As Gardner joins a Colts team currently at 7-2, tied for the top of the AFC with the Broncos and Patriots, this move marks a fresh start and a chance to compete for a championship.
In his first day of practice with the Colts, Gardner was a full participant and has cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol, meaning he’s on track to play against the Atlanta Falcons in Berlin this Sunday.
Final Thoughts
Sauce Gardner’s trade highlights both the unpredictable nature of the NFL and the cyclical nature of teams undergoing rebuilds. The Colts are not only acquiring proven talent, but Gardner is also getting an opportunity to thrive alongside familiar faces in a competitive environment.
For fans wanting to keep up with this year’s NFL season, engaging with the games through platforms like Underdog Fantasy can add an extra layer of excitement.
For more on NFL trades and player updates, check the latest news and analysis, keeping your foot on the pulse of the action as the season progresses.
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