NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
The New York Jets have made a blockbuster trade for a star player just months after signing him.
Cornerback Sauce Gardner is headed to the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for two first-round picks, according to multiple reports.
The Jets finally got 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 send out his star cornerback.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON Pakinomist
New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner (1) watches from the sideline during the third quarter against the Carolina Panthers at MetLife Stadium. (Vincent Carchietta/Imagn Images)
Just weeks before 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 Defensive Rookie of the Year after his stellar 2022 season, while wide receiver Garrett Wilson, who signed an identical deal to Gardner the day before, won offensive honors.
The Jets will also receive wide receiver Adonai Mitchell on the fly.
Sauce Gardner (1) of the New York Jets runs off 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)
NFL WEEK 9 RESULTS: BILLS PICK UP WIN IN RIVALRY GAME WITH CHIEFS, PANTHERS HAVE AN EARNED VICTORY
Gardner has six passes defensed 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’s not to say Hall will stay. In fact, it’s probably a sign that he’s on his way soon.
Gardner was the fourth overall selection by 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 September 19, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Michael Owens/Getty Images)
The last time the Jets sent a secondary stalwart in his prime was Jamal Adams, whose return also warranted two first-round picks.
