INDIANAPOLIS – Chris Ballard’s first major trade prior to the NFL deadline was a major one.

The Indianapolis Colts’ general manager has acquired two-time All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner from the New York Jets, according to multiple social media posts. The cost: Two first-round draft picks and wide receiver AD Mitchell.

Mitchell was a 2024 second-round pick whose first year-and-a-half with the Colts has been inconsistency.

The Colts were interested in adding talent to Lou Anarumo’s inconsistent defense with either an edge pass rusher or a reliable cornerback.

Gardner is well beyond reliable.

The No. 4 overall pick in the 2022 draft is a two-time All-Pro selection and was the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year.

The Jets signed Gardner to a four-year, $120.4 million extension in the of

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