NFL news: Jets trade Sauce Gardner to Colts

The New York Jets have made a blockbuster trade with a star player just months after signing him to an extension.

Cornerback Sauce Gardner is headed to the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for two first-round picks, according to multiple reports.

The Jets finally earned their first win of the season in Week 8 after a wild comeback against the Cincinnati Bengals, but with their 1-7 record and seemingly no future in sight, new general manager Darren Mougey has opted to ship his star corner.

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New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner (1) looks on from the sidelines during the third quarter against the Carolina Panthers at MetLife Stadium.  (Vincent Carchietta/Imagn Images)

Just weeks prior to the season, the Jets signed Gardner to a four-year extension worth $120.4 million.

Gardner is in his fourth NFL season and was named a first-team All-Pro in each of his first two.

Gardner was named the Defensive Rookie of the Year after his stellar 2022 season, while wide receiver Garrett Wilson, who signed an identical deal to Gardner the day prior, won offensive honors.

The Jets will also receive wide receiver Adonai Mitchell in the move.

Sauce Gardner (1) of the New York Jets walks off the field against the Miami Dolphins during an NFL football game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Sept. 29, 2025. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

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Gardner has six passes defended this season and 20 tackles. 

NFL rumors suggested running back Breece Hall would be the first guy to go, considering he is on an expiring contract. But the first domino to fall appears to be Gardner.

That is not to say that Hall will be staying. In fact, it’s probably a sign he will be on the move soon.

Gardner was the fourth overall pick out of Cincinnati 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 Sept. 19, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Michael Owens/Getty Images)

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The last time the Jets sent a secondary stalwart in his prime was Jamal Adams, whose return also warranted two first-round picks.

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