Daniel Jones Says Colts' Sauce Gardner Trade 'Definitely Gives You Confidence'

The Indianapolis Colts made it perfectly clear they are all in this season after trading for cornerback Sauce Gardner, and quarterback Daniel Jones appreciates the front office's belief in the 7-2 team.

"I think, obviously, they believe in our team and what we can do this year," Jones told reporters Wednesday. "We've played well. There's still a lot in front of us and we've got to go continue to improve and play well week to week. But, as players, you see that movement from ownership, from management and the coaches, I think it definitely gives you confidence."

The Colts announced they acquired the star cornerback from the New York Jets in exchange for 2026 and 2027 first-round picks, as well as wide receiver Adonai Mitchell.

It was a costly price to pay, but Gardner is one of the best defensive players in the league who addressed an immediate area of concern for the AFC South team that could face quarterbacks such as Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, Drake Maye, Justin Herbert and Lamar Jackson in the playoffs.

Gardner has been in the league since he was the No. 4 overall pick of the 2022 NFL draft and already has a resume that includes a Defensive Rookie of the Year, two First Team All-Pro nods and two Pro Bowl selections.

He can help shut down opposing No. 1 wide receivers and provide a boost for the pass rush, which will have more time to go after opposing quarterbacks before the pass-catchers break free in the secondary.

Giving up two first-round picks is also something of an endorsement from the front office to Jones as the franchise quarterback. After all, the Colts could have used one of those picks on a signal-caller if they didn't believe in Jones' long-term viability but instead pivoted to making the team stronger around him in the immediate window.

Jones has been excellent this season after an inconsistent start to his career, and he now has an excellent new teammate who can help anchor the defense.