For Indy, Gardner will prove a critical piece on Lou Anarumo’s defense and in the franchise’s vision for the future.
In the immediate, Gardner will fill a hole vacated by Charvarius Ward, who is dealing with a concussion and has played in only four games this season. Mekhi Blackmon, Jaylon Jones and Kenny Moore are the current starters in the Colts’ defensive backfield.
While Indy’s offense remains the cream of the crop in the NFL, its defense is middle of the road in yards allowed (16th) and 26th in passing defense.
As the Colts look to compete for not only their first AFC South title in 11 years but the top seed in the conference, Gardner’s addition will be crucial in locking down opposing receivers, starting Sunday against Drake London and the Falcons in Berlin (9:30 a.m. ET on NFL Network and NFL+) and continuing after the Week 11 bye with the reigning champion Chiefs.
Gardner will also be a cornerstone to build around on defense, like Jonathan Taylor, Michael Pittman, Quenton Nelson and now Daniel Jones are on the offensive side of the ball.
“Having the opportunity to acquire a talented player like Sauce Gardner was one we did not want to pass on,” Colts general manager Chris Ballard said in a statement on Tuesday. “He was a player that we scouted heavily coming out of college, and there’s a reason he was the fourth-overall pick. Sauce is a proven cornerback. His skill and competitive nature will elevate everyone’s play on the defensive unit. We’re thrilled he’s a Colt.”
Mitchell can see immediate action in New York, as the Jets try to fill out a barren receiving corps for the back half of the season. The second-year wideout will join fellow midseason acquisition Metchie, star receiver Garrett Wilson, who’s returning from a knee injury, Allen Lazard and assorted others in the rotation.
Through two years, Mitchell has 32 catches in 25 games played for 464 yards.