After a blockbuster trade on Tuesday, Nov. 4, that sent two first-round picks and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell to the New York Jets, the Indianapolis Colts got their first look at their newest cornerback, Sauce Gardner.
The former No. 4 overall draft pick in 2022 has been a standout corner for the Jets for the past three and a half seasons, and in his first game with Indianapolis, he set a season-high six tackles, and ranked third on the team in tackles only behind Zaire Franklin, Nick Cross, and Germaine Pratt.
According to PFF’s early tracking data, Gardner allowed two receptions on four targets, resulting in 30 yards gained for Atlanta, and he also recorded a pass breakup that was a near interception.
His two receptions allowed came against Drake London for 13 yards and Darnell Mooney for 17 yards.
Gardner was also the nearest defender on Atlanta’s successful two-point conversion that tied the game at 25, forcing overtime. Gardner lost his footing on the play.
Drake London converts the 2-pt conversion ‼️
ATLvsIND on @NFLNetwork
Also streaming on @NFLPluspic.twitter.com/VPBlauSIWT— NFL (@NFL) November 9, 2025
He started opposite of cornerback Mekhi Blackmon, who recorded a single tackle. However, with the addition of Gardner, cornerback Jaylon Jones was not awarded the start in Week 10.
On the other side of the ball, the Colts continued to lean on their three-receiver sets and two-tight-end looks. Behind Michael Pittman, Alec Pierce, and Josh Downs, Ashton Dulin was the next man up at wide receiver, which had been the case even before Mitchell was traded.
Mitchell’s playing time was almost nonexistent after he fumbled a would-be 76-yard touchdown on the goalline in the Colts’ 27-20 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
Ball is out before it crosses the goal line. It’s a touchback!
INDvsLAR on FOX/FOX Onehttps://t.co/HkKw7uXnxVpic.twitter.com/DtuT1kDX9s
— NFL (@NFL) September 28, 2025
Mitchell tallied seven catches on 12 targets through the first four weeks of the season, but in his next four games as a Colt, he only recorded two catches on four total targets.
While the Colts won’t know the true impact of their trade until the 2027 NFL season, when the Jets will be able to utilize the second of their two first-round draft picks, on the surface, it feels like Indianapolis is winning the trade.
Gardner not only played just five days after being traded, but also helped Indianapolis win, while Mitchell is inactive and will not play for the Jets against the Browns today.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Evaluating Sauce Gardner’s Indianapolis Colts’ debut
