Jan. 8, 2026, 1:54 p.m. ET
If given the opportunity to trade for cornerback Sauce Gardner again, Indianapolis Colts GM Chris Ballard said he would still make that deal.
“I would still do the move again today,” said Ballard on Thursday. “Those guys are not easy to find.”
Prior to the trade deadline, the Colts traded two first-round draft picks and wide receiver AD Mitchell to the New York Jets in return for Gardner.
Some of the factors behind Ballard’s decision to make this trade include Gardner being just 24 years old and he’s already an accomplished player as a former All-Pro and Pro Bowler.
Gardner’s contract was a part of that equation as well. For 2026, his cap hit is still just $9.5 million. It jumps to $20.9 million in 2027. Gardner is also under contract with the Colts through the 2030 season.
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“You’re talking about a premier guy, who’s been to Pro Bowls, he’s 24 years old, and the contract was we thought advantageous to acquire,” Ballard said.
Ballard said that pairing Gardner with Charvarius Ward would have given the Colts two top cornerbacks, which would have freed up the rest of the defense.
A calf injury limited Gardner to only four games with the Colts, but when on the field, he played at a high level.
In those games, Gardner allowed a completion rate of 54%, giving up just 7.3 yards per catch, with three pass breakups. His presence on the field also changed how Lou Anarumo called games, allowing the Colts’ defensive coordinator to be much more aggressive.
“Sauce has got a really bright future and he’s going to be a core piece for us for a while,” said Ballard.
Without their first-round pick in this year’s draft, the Colts currently have five selections. Their first pick will come in the second round at pick No. 47 overall.
“It does put a premium on making sure those second, third, fourth round picks end up being really good,” Ballard said.