Colts trade for CB Sauce Gardner

[Kray007]

Ballard must think we’re close and this is a final piece.

[AlwaysSunnyinIndy]

Originally Posted by Hoopsdoc

Looks like he signed a 4 year extension at the beginning of this year so he’s locked up for a while. Still, dayum.

Cap Consequences:

https://x.com/spotrac/status/1985770718810759409

Colts Acquire
CB Sauce Gardner

Jets Acquire
2026 1st Rd Pick
2027 1st Rd Pick
WR Adonai Mitchell


Gardner joins on a $625k salary for 2025, with $70M guaranteed through 2028.

NYJ adds Mitchell at $565k this year, $1.4M next year, and $1.8M in 2026.

https://x.com/spotrac/status/1985769661284180359

The Colts get CB Sauce Gardner at cap hits of:

2025: $625k
2026: $9.5M
2027: $20.9M
2028: $26.2M
2029: $36.1M
2030: $36.1M

It's a 5 1/2 year, $131.5M contract going forward, with $70M effectively guaranteed through 2028.

[nate505]

On the one hand, this sounds like an overpay.

On the other hand, dude is legit and I'm pretty impressed Ballard made a move this ballsy.

[AlwaysSunnyinIndy]

https://x.com/ZachHicks2/status/1985773279391424697

In terms of fit, Sauce Gardner is probably as good as it gets for Lou Anarumo.

Anarumo really cares about size, speed, and press man coverage ability.

Having arguably the two best fits for his system in the league on each side of the field should do wonders for his defense

https://x.com/ZachHicks2/status/1985771455725125718

Lou Anarumo might blitz every passing down now that he has Sauce, Mooney, Kenny Moore II in press coverage behind it.

[nate505]

Originally Posted by AlwaysSunnyinIndy

https://x.com/ZachHicks2/status/1985773279391424697



https://x.com/ZachHicks2/status/1985771455725125718

I may hate this in a few years, but I'm really sold now.

Then again, I drank the Trent Richardson kool aid when that happened, and that was one of the worst trades I've seen. Still, Gardner has proven himself way more than TR did.

[Brylok]

I love it!
We get Sauce Gardner for a couple of lower end 1st round picks, and we get AD Mitchell off the team! Excellent!
Kenny and Sauce will be fun to watch.

[apballin]

Love it, packers gave up 2 firsts and a player for parsons so that was the baseline

[Hoopsdoc]

One thing about Ballard, he’s not afraid to make a big move if he believes in the player he’s getting.

This reminds me of the Buckner trade. Let’s just hope it turns out as well.

[Kray007]

When you look at the definition of shut down corner, you see a photo of Gardner.

[BCN#1]

Originally Posted by Mr. Session

I must be a stingy mf'er because two firsts AND a player sounds nuts to me.

I've been wrong before. The evidence is on the forum. But damn.

Agreed... this is way too much in my view. CB playing with Monopoly money at this point methinks.

Hope I am wrong in any case but not thrilled by this move.