After seeing how the Indianapolis Colts’ mid-season trade with the Jets for Sauce Gardner played out, what grade would you now give that deal?
Alex Kay of Bleacher Report revisited each trade deadline deal made in 2025, sharing the original grade handed out and then regrading the trades based on how the remainder of the season unfolded.
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To land Gardner, the Colts traded away their 2026 first-round pick, 2027 first-round pick, and AD Mitchell. Originally, Bleacher Report gave the Colts an A for this trade and the Jets a B.
But what about after the fact? Now the Colts received a B- and the Jets an A.
“Gardner was only available for four games following the deadline, missing several contests with a calf injury,” wrote Kay. “While Gardner will remain a large part of Indy’s plans for a bounce-back 2026 campaign and beyond, the early returns weren’t great. The Colts missed out on the playoffs entirely after finishing with a losing 8-9 record and have plenty of question marks going into the new season.”
A calf injury limited Gardner’s impact with the Colts. However, when on the field, he made an immediate impact, allowing 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.
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It’s also important to note when evaluating this trade that Garnder is still just 25 years old and is under contract through the 2030 season. His salary cap hit in 2026 is still just $9.5 million.
Gardner will be a cornerstone member of the Colts’ defense moving forward.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: What grade did Colts get after looking back at Sauce Gardner trade?