The ink is not even fresh, but just moments after the Jacksonville Jaguars decided to trade for wide receiver Jakobi Meyers, the Indianapolis Colts acquired one of the top defenders in the NFL.
In the twilight of the trade deadline, Ian Rapoport of NFL Media broke the news that Indy sent two first-round selections to the New York Jets in return for All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner. Other outlets confirmed the report.
With Gardner in the fold, the Indianapolis are putting themselves in a position to make a deep playoff push. On the other hand, the trade puts a serious dent in the Jags' postseason hopes.
Sauce Gardner gives the Colts a massive boost (and the Jaguars won't be thrilled)
The Indianapolis Colts are coming off a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, but at 7-2, they're still one of the top teams in the AFC. The fact that they traded for Sauce Gardner only increases their odds of clinching the first seed and a playoff BYE.
And that's the thing, Indy had signed Charvarious Ward and Cam Bynum in the offseason, but the former is on Injured Reserve with a concussion. Gardner gives the Colts a much-needed No. 1 during Ward's absence. And once he returns, the secondary will go from good to great.
The fourth-overall selection in 2022, Gardner established himself as one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL from the get-go. He's earned two Pro Bowl nods and two First-Team All-Pro designations. The former Cincinnati Bobcat wasn't nearly as dominant last year but was far from a slouch, giving up a 53.4 completion rate and just one touchdown.
Now, the Jaguars will have to game plan for Gardner, as they've yet to face the Colts this season.
Sauce Gardner will give the Jaguars trouble when they play the Colts
Before the Colts pulled off the blockbuster trade for Sauce Gardner, they were rumored to be targeting Pro Bowl pass rusher Trey Hendrickson. It's hard to tell if they weren't really interested or if they simply turned their attention to Gardner. But either way, the Colts' defense is in much better shape, which isn't great news for the Jaguars when you take into account that they've yet to play them this season.
Now, the duo of Brian Thomas Jr. and Jakobi Meyers will have their hands full when they face the Indianapolis secondary. On defense, the Jags will have to deal with an improved Daniel Jones and Offensive Player of the Year candidate Jonathan Taylor.
Even without Sauce Gardner, both games against the Colts were going to be tough. With him in the fold, they just became considerably more challenging.