Sauce Gardner issued a five-word farewell to New York Jets followers moments earlier than it was introduced that the star cornerback had been dealt forward of the NFL commerce deadline.
“New York it’s been actual,” Gardner posted to X on Tuesday afternoon, accompanied by a inexperienced coronary heart emoji.
The cornerback was “surprised” by the commerce, his brother and agent, Allante, instructed ESPN, and that the 2 had no thought it was coming.
Within minutes of his publish, studies flooded social media confirming that the previous fourth general draft choose had been traded to the Indianapolis Colts in alternate for 2 first-round picks and broad receiver AD Mitchell.
Gardner, 25, had simply signed a four-year, $120.4 million extension on July 15, a deal that made him the NFL’s highest paid cornerback.
“This is barely the start,” Gardner posted to X following the announcement of his extension. “I recognize the Jets group for believing in me, my teammates for the blood, sweat, & tears we put in, and JETS NATION… I recognize y’all supporting me.”
His extension was introduced simply in the future after New York reached a long-term settlement with star wideout Garrett Wilson — seemingly locking up its younger core because it entered the Aaron Glenn period.
That imaginative and prescient lasted all of two months, because the 2022 Defensive Rookie of the Year’s tenure with the Jets got here to an finish after simply three-plus seasons.
Gardner had six passes defended and 20 tackles with New York this season.
The Jets — who’ve posted a depressing 1-7 report this season — might have extra strikes on the best way forward of Tuesday’s deadline at 4 p.m. ET.
They reportedly additionally despatched defensive sort out Quinnen Williams to the Cowboys in alternate for a first-round choose and extra, per NFL Network.
Gardner joins the AFC South-leading Colts (7-2), who bolstered their lineup as they put together for a playoff push.
