In November 2025, the Indianapolis Colts traded for cornerback Sauce Gardner from the New York Jets. As we hit the 2026 NFL Draft, the first selection Indy sent to New Jersey is here. So what exactly did the Colts send to the Jets? Let’s take stock.
Original terms of the Sauce Gardner trade
- Colts receive: Sauce Gardner
- Jets receive: Adonai Mitchell, 2026 first-round pick, 2027 first-round pick
How was Sauce Gardner’s performance for the Colts in 2025?
Gardner was expected to be the player that would help the Colts contend for a Super Bowl appearance in 2025. Instead, the Colts lost their final seven games of the season despite the addition of Gardner.
Gardner was limited to four games with the Colts
down the stretch due to injury.
What did the Jets do with the picks from the Sauce Gardner trade?
The Colts were 7-2 when they traded for Gardner, so they thought they would be handing the Jets a pick late in the first round. However, the Colts lost their last seven games and finished the season 8-9, giving them the No. 16 overall pick.
With that selection, the Jets selected xxx xxx. We will update.
They obviously still have a 2027 NFL Draft pick to work with, as well.
How was Adonai Mitchell’s performance for the Jets in 2025?
Mitchell immediately stepped into the lineup for the Jets in 2025. He started four games, playing in eight total for New York. He snagged 24 receptions for 301 yards ad two touchdowns in New Jersey. He is likely slottedinto a starting spot heading into 2026.
