The New York Jets pulled off the biggest trade of the NFL trade deadline so far, sending cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts in a blockbuster deal.
While Gardner just signed an extension with the Jets in the offseason, New York’s disappointing start to the season likely led to a change of heart. The cornerback was the fourth overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft and is signed through the 2029 season on a $120 million extension.
The trade means the Jets are committed to a full rebuild as they stockpile picks for the future. Here’s a breakdown of what this trade means for the Jets’ draft outlook.
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Sauce Gardner trade details
Colts receive
Jets receive
- 2026 first-round pick
- 2027 first-round pick
- WR AD Mitchell
Indianapolis sent the Jets a large package for Gardner, giving up their next two first-round picks to acquire the star cornerback. Additionally, the Jets receive AD Mitchell as part of the deal; the young wide receiver has a year and a half left on his contract.
MORE: Why did the Jets trade Sauce Gardner?
Jets draft picks 2026
- Round 1, 2026
- Round 1, 2026 via Colts
- Round 2, 2026
- Round 4, 2026
- Round 6, 2026 via Bills
- Round 7, 2026 via Titans
- Round 7, 2026 via Bills
The Jets traded their third-round pick this year as part of the Haason Reddick trade in 2024, but otherwise they have a solid stockpile of picks in 2026. New York’s own first-rounder should be a top pick, while the Colts’ first-rounder will be in the back half of the round this year.
Of course, the Jets also received Indianapolis’ first-rounder in 2027, which could be a reasonable pick if the Colts take a step back. For now, the Jets will have at least three of the top 40-ish picks in the 2026 NFL draft.
MORE: Why did Aaron Rodgers leave the Jets after two seasons?
Jets draft picks 2027
- Round 1, 2027
- Round 1, 2027 via Colts
- Round 2, 2027
- Round 3, 2027
- Round 4, 2027
- Round 5, 2027
- Round 6, 2027
- Round 6, 2027 via Chiefs (Conditional)
- Round 6, 2027 via Eagles (Conditional)
Additionally, New York’s 2027 draft picks haul is much larger, as they own their own picks from rounds 1-6 along with adding three picks during the season. That 2027 Colts’ first rounder could be valuable depending on how Indianapolis performs in 2026.
MORE: Grading every trade ahead of the NFL trade deadline
