NFL Coach Says Sauce Gardner Trade Gives Colts 'a Chance' vs. Eagles' A.J. Brown

The Indianapolis Colts went all-in on contending for a Super Bowl title by acquiring star cornerback Sauce Gardner from the New York Jets at last week's trade deadline.

The Athletic's Mike Sando spoke to a defensive coach from another team who said he feels the acquisition of Gardner gives the Colts a strong chance to compete against any of the top receivers they will face in the postseason, including A.J. Brown of the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.

"Now, when you go against a Philly, you have a chance against A.J. Brown," the coach said.

Gardner made his Colts debut in Sunday's 31-25 overtime win over the Atlanta Falcons in Berlin and recorded six tackles with one pass defended. Indianapolis improved to 8-2, tying for the best record in the AFC.

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The Colts paid a hefty price to land Gardner, sending two first-round draft picks and wide receiver AD Mitchell to the Jets to complete the deal. While many praised the move, some still feel that Gardner wasn't worth such a monumental return.

"They were desperate for a corner, so I totally get it," an exec from another team told Sando. "... Maybe they think they can move Anthony Richardson for something. That said, I've never been terribly impressed with Gardner. (Derek) Stingley was the corner from that draft we liked."

Stingley likely wouldn't have been available in a trade, but Gardner was able to be acquired by the Colts thanks to his team-friendly four-year, $120.4 million extension that keeps him under contract through 2030.

"I think the Jets made a mistake paying him (Gardner) and got out from under it," an offensive coach told Sando.