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The New York Jets completed a blockbuster trade with a star player just months after signing him to an extension.
Cornerback Sauce Gardner is heading to the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for two first-round picks, according to multiple reports.
The Jets finally picked up their first win of the season in Week 8 after a wild comeback against the Cincinnati Bengals, but with their record 1-7 and seemingly no future in sight, new general manager Darren Mougey opted to ship his star corner.
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New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner (1) watches from the sidelines during the third quarter against the Carolina Panthers at MetLife Stadium. (Vincent Carchietta/Imagn Images)
Just weeks before the season started, the Jets signed Gardner to a four-year extension worth $120.4 million.
Gardner is in his fourth NFL season and has been named a first-team All-Pro in each of his first two.
Gardner was named defensive rookie of the year after his stellar 2022 season, while wide receiver Garrett Wilson, who signed an identical deal with Gardner the day before, took home offensive honors.
The Jets will also receive wide receiver Adonai Mitchell.
Sauce Gardner (1) of the New York Jets leaves the field against the Miami Dolphins during an NFL football game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on September 29, 2025. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
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Gardner has six passes defensed this season and 20 tackles.
NFL rumors suggested that running back Breece Hall would be the first guy to go, given that he is on an expiring contract. But the first domino to fall appears to be Gardner.
That doesn’t mean Hall will stay. In fact, it’s probably a sign that he’ll be moving soon.
Gardner was Cincinnati’s fourth overall pick in 2020, with Wilson being selected six picks later.
Sauce Gardner (1) of the New York Jets reacts during an NFL football game between the New York Jets and the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium on September 19, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Michael Owens/Getty Images)
The last time the Jets sent out a secondary mainstay in his prime, it was Jamal Adams, whose return also warranted two first-round picks.
