INDIANAPOLIS – After years of staying mouse-like quiet at the NFL trade deadline, Chris Ballard sent shockwaves across the league on Tuesday afternoon.

The Colts traded their first-round pick in both 2026 and 2027, along with young wideout AD Mitchell to the New York Jets for All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner.

When factoring in both the compensation and player acquisition, this is undoubtedly one of the biggest trades in Colts franchise history.

Gardner, 25, was the 4th overall pick in 2022. He was an All-Pro cornerback in 2022 and 2023 and is under contract through the 2030 campaign after signing an extension back in July.

At 6-3 and 190 pounds, Gardner is known for his press-man ability, which certainly fits what defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo wants to be about at the back end. He

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