Colts' Daniel Jones bet could make Jets big winners in Sauce Gardner trade

The New York Jets and Indianapolis Colts teamed up for one of the most stunning NFL trades in recent memory, as All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner is now a member of the Indianapolis Colts. A package centered around two first-round picks and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell will be coming back New York's way.

The Colts, who stand at 7-2 with a resurgent Daniel Jones at quarterback, were so in on their chances of contending this season that they have missed out on the fact that things could turn sour for them very quickly in the 2025 season and beyond.

As many were quick to note, no team trades two first-round picks in consecutive seasons without a plan to keep their quarterback installed long-term. The Colts seem ready to make Jones their guy moving forward, which could lead to some serious buyer's remorse coming up.

If Jones regresses to the old form that he showcased at his previous stop, the Colts' ability to replace or supplement him in the NFL Draft will be taken away from them as the Jets close in.

Jets could benefit from Colts' Daniel Jones bet after Sauce Gardner trade

While Jones has improved substantially since coming over from the New York Giants, his five-turnover performance in a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers suggests that there is some of the old first-round bust still knocking around in there. If the Colts pay Jones, and he regresses, the Jets stand to benefit.

Committing big money to Jones and Gardner may have some adverse effects on the rest of the defense. An already suspect pass rush room will remain as such, and it might be hard to keep his wide receiver room together. Is Jonathan Taylor going to play like an MVP every single year? Probably not.

The Jets now have five first-round picks in the next two years in addition to two extra possible top-50 picks in the second round after the Cowboys agreed to part with their second-rounder to acquire Quinnen Williams. Such extensive "tear it down to the studs" rebuilds are uncommon in the NFL, but the Jets just pulled that trigger.

The Jets need to hope for both a franchise quarterback coming in the 2026 draft, in addition to both Dallas and Indianapolis taking steps backward. There are a ton of variables in play, but the right combination of luck could lead to the Jets coming out of this deal smelling like a rose.