The Indianapolis Colts just made the boldest move in recent NFL history by trading away two first-round picks. They picked up breakout corner Sauce Gardner in a trade with the New York Jets. This trade represents a major turning point for the franchise. It hopes to shore up its defensive field while finessing talks to extend quarterback Daniel Jones’ contract. If Taylor’s performance against the Ravens wasn’t enough to emphasize the Colts’ transformation, the biggest and most important move, like all serious changes, is subtle.
In their last meeting, Jonathan Taylor went nuclear with 244 rushing yards. He scored three touchdowns. A look at Smith-Njigba’s elite talent represented on the field. His performance not only fueled the Colts’ offensive efforts but highlighted the potential impact of Gardner’s addition on the defensive side of the ball. Credit the Colts with being strategic to have moved the right pieces to bring in more talent. Acquiring Gardner is a significant step towards that aim.
The Gardner Trade and Its Implications
The Colts initiated the trade for Sauce Gardner after extensive internal discussions about their roster and future prospects. GM Chris Ballard received the warm approval of all to close the deal. This choice makes an emphatic statement of the team’s commitment to defend better. In a recent game, Gardner ended up being targeted on six occasions as the nearest defender. He further cemented his playmaking ability in blanking the Falcons, who finished 0-for-3 when targeting him in the second half.
Gardner’s immediate impact on the field should improve the Colts’ defensive ability to create turnovers and play aggressive defense. He capped it all off with a team-leading 31 coverage snaps, his game-breaking speed allowing him to dime up even the fastest of opposing receivers. This acquisition strengthens that defense greatly. It shows how serious the Colts are about winning more moving forward as they try to get back into playoff contention in coming seasons.
“That was the first time that I’ve been in a locker room that electric this year after a game because that was my first win I’ve been a part of,” – Sauce Gardner
Like the Texans, the Colts have been forced to face the realities of their current roster, most glaringly at wide receiver where Alec Pierce continues to struggle. Last year, 41% of Pierce’s catches were from “go” routes. Compared to that planning year, this season that number is down to just 27% of the time, which might indicate a change in approach offensively. The franchise already anticipated losing Pierce as a free agent. In order to maintain such high levels of offensive productivity, they began going in other directions.
Internal Dynamics and Contract Discussions
The decision to chase Gardner comes just days after news trickled in that talks were ongoing to extend Daniel Jones’ contract. The Colts have been adamantly interested in signing Jones to something longer than this one-year contract. They’ve cloistered those conversations behind closed doors for the last six months. The organization knows how important stability at the quarterback position is and wants to get Jones locked up for the long term.
Yet the leadership of Carlie Irsay-Gordon has been decisive in steering those decisions since Jim Irsay’s death in May. From a 50,000-foot view, Ms. McDonald has rolled up her sleeves, and she’s owned the operations. She wants to improve the roster through trades and signings but her more immediate goal should be keeping key players, particularly Jones, long-term.
The effects of these conversations go well beyond a single player. Along with a line of calculated ranks, they reflect a bigger picture strategy within the organization to create a competitive team that can one day contend in the NFL. The Colts are keenly aware that securing their quarterback and enhancing their defense through players like Gardner will be crucial for their success moving forward.
Looking Ahead
As Indy looks toward the rest of the 2023 season, trials and tribulations await them. Adding Sauce Gardner alone changes the picture with how they’ll be able to defend. Beyond that, though, it’ll shift how they game plan for their opponents’ offensive match ups, too. It’s an opportunity for the franchise to figure out how to best use Jonathan Taylor’s explosive talent, particularly with a new offensive structure likely being implemented this season.
Adonai Mitchell, a projected second-round pick in 2024, is the final piece in the Colts’ long-term strategy. As the organization plots its course strategy, they’re looking down the road at future drafts and trades. They’re committed to doing whatever it takes to field a winning championship-quality squad.
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