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Sauce Gardner’s Immediate Reaction Surfaces After Jets Trade Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Athlon Trending News Team | Last updated Nov 4, 2025 3:26 PM ET

Sauce Gardner was reportedly unaware that the New York Jets were planning to trade him ahead of what turned out to be one of the biggest NFL deadline day stories.

The two-time First-Team All-Pro, the fourth-overall pick in 2022, is headed to the Indianapolis Colts , with the Jets severing ties amid what appears to be designs on a near-complete overhaul and receiving two first-round picks plus wide receiver Adonai Mitchell.

ESPN’s Rich Cimini says he spoke to the player’s brother and agent, Allante Gardner, who told him that they had no idea the Jets had a trade in the works and learned of the deal early Tuesday afternoon via a call from the team.

New Indianapolis Colts CB Sauce Gardner.Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

According to Allante, the Pro Bowl cornerback doesn’t harbor any negative feelings toward the organization, as he understands football is a business.

Sauce’s brother/agent also disclosed that the player got a call from head coach Aaron Glenn.

Sauce Gardner was stunned by the trade, per his brother and agent Allante Gardner, who told me he learned of the deal around 12:15 in a call from the #Jets. They had no inkling before that, he said. Sauce has no negative feelings toward the Jets; he understands it's a business,…
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) November 4, 2025

The former Cincinnati standout was the Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2022 and is still considered to be one of the best players in his position, despite the Jets’ woes in recent years.

The move not only gives him a fresh start but puts him in a position to win. While the 7-2 Colts suffered a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 9, they have been the most formidable team in the NFL in 2025 and have serious Super Bowl ambitions.

His addition could be just what they need to go all the way.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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