Colts were ‘in the mix’ for Alontae Taylor before Sauce Gardner trade

The Colts were reportedly “in the mix” for another cornerback before trading for Sauce Gardner.

Colts scoured the corner market in recent days and were also in the mix for New Orleans’ Alontae Taylor. They zeroed in on Sauce Gardner, a massive splash for a team that doesn’t often make them.

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) November 4, 2025

The Indianapolis Colts ended up landing cornerback Sauce Gardner in a trade with the New York Jets.

However, Gardner wasn’t the only cornerback that the Colts had on their radar prior to Tuesday’s trade deadline.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Colts “were also in the mix” for New Orleans Saints‘ cornerback Alontae Taylor.

Taylor ended up not getting dealt at the trade deadline and remains with the Saints.

A former second-round draft pick in 2022, Taylor has allowed a career completion rate of 65% with two interceptions and 29 pass breakups, according to PFF.

Taylor also has ample experience playing both in the slot and out wide. That versatility can be quite valuable in Lou Anarumo’s disguise-heavy scheme.

The 2025 season is the final year of Taylor’s rookie deal, making him a free agent this offseason, and a rental had the Colts acquired him.

Along with the Colts’ reported interest in Taylor, Fowler added that while he was on their radar, Indianapolis ultimately “zeroed in on Sauce Gardner.”

Landing Gardner came with a hefty price tag that included two first-round picks and AD Mitchell, but that comes with the territory when pursuing a two-time All-Pro at a premium position, who is still just 25 years old.

Gardner is now under contract with the Colts for five-plus seasons after signing an extension with the Jets over the summer.