Jets Trade Sauce Gardner to Colts for Two First-Round Picks and Receiver

The New York Jets traded cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts on July 6, 2026. The deal sent a 2026 first-round pick, a 2027 first-round pick and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell to New York. Almost one year earlier the Jets had signed Gardner to a four-year, $120.4 million contract that made him the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL at the time.

Gardner recorded three interceptions in 55 games with the Jets. Last season the Jets finished with zero defensive interceptions, the first team in modern NFL history to complete a full season without one. Cornerback Brandon Stephens said the unit was taking the drought personally.

The Jets added former All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick through free agency and signed cornerback Nahshon Wright to a one-year, $3.5 million contract. Wright recorded five interceptions with the Chicago Bears in 2025. Stephens ranked 37th out of 75 qualifying corners in yards allowed per coverage snap.

Wright ranked 54th in the same metric. Azareye'h Thomas and second-round pick D'Angelo Ponds are expected to compete for the starting cornerback spot opposite Stephens.