Back in early November, the Indianapolis Colts took a big swing by trading for cornerback Sauce Gardner from the Jets. Indy gave up its 2026 and 2027 first-round picks, along with wide receiver Adonai Mitchell, to land the defensive weapon. But now, two months later, some are asking if that big swing was actually a miss.
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Gardner was picked fourth overall in the 2022 draft by the Jets. He went on to earn All-Pro honors in both 2022 and 2023, and given that resume, the expensive trade made sense for the Colts, who were the dark horse team this season.
However, voices questioning whether the trade was worth it have only grown. It has hit a fever pitch since the Colts became the first team since the 1995 Raiders to miss the playoffs after starting 8-2. Think of it, they were 7-2 and looked well set for the playoffs before Gardner arrived.
Since joining, Gardner has played only two games over the past two months. The team has been hit hard by injuries, with the offense taking the biggest dent.
Daniel Jones tore his Achilles tendon, handicapping the Colts’ offense. While on defense, Pro Bowl tackle DeForest Buckner is done for the year, and top perimeter corner Charvarius Ward is also out.
Indianapolis has lost its last five games, with the final two starts coming from 44-year-old Philip Rivers at quarterback. So, when fans look back at the price paid for Gardner, especially the two first-round picks that the team could really use in the coming years, it is easy to see why frustration has boiled over.
“Perhaps [Gardner] was the problem? The Jets immediately started playing better without him,” one fan commented, blaming Gardner for the Colts’ collapse. The comment appeared under a post that was trying to sympathize with Gardner, noting how the cornerback wanted a better situation than the lowly Jets. But his new home has sunk to that same level.
Perhaps he was the problem? The jets immediately started playing better without him
— Ballsaqius (@ballsaqius) December 28, 2025
“At least the Jets have their own first-round draft pick to look forward to, and now they also have ours,” a Colts faithful playfully said.
“You can take the player out of the jets but not the jets out of the player,” a third added.
“The curse travels,” another penned, alongside a picture of former Jets QB Joe Namath holding a Lombardi Trophy from Super Bowl III, the last time the Jets won it. Yes, it occurred even before the moon landing.
the curse travels pic.twitter.com/OSazorQQu2
— cheddar jack (@murphyjacksonn) December 28, 2025
The Jets’ curse surely wasn’t the only reason the Colts missed the playoffs this year. They surprised everyone with that 8-2 start and a Danny Dimes dream resurgence, but it was too good to last.
The team should have looked ahead and planned for the long term, as that’s what creates consistent results. If they end up back at the bottom next year, front offices will see their deadline moves as a cautionary tale rather than a blueprint.
The Colts were hoping the Texans would lose to the Chargers on Saturday, which would have given them a chance. But alas. Better luck next season, Indy faithful.
