Overview
- The Jets sent Gardner to the Colts for 2026 and 2027 first-round picks plus wide receiver Adonai Mitchell, less than four months after extending him for four years and $120.4 million.
- In his first game for Indianapolis, Gardner helped secure a 31-25 overtime win over the Falcons in Berlin, with Atlanta going 0-for-3 targeting him after halftime and Drake London limited to two catches for 26 yards on four targets.
- Gardner called the rapid transition a tough week as he learned a new playbook, traveled to Indianapolis and Germany, and stepped directly into the starting lineup wearing No. 1.
- New York signaled a draft-driven rebuild, later dealing Quinnen Williams to Dallas and adding more premium picks, creating significant future capital and cap flexibility.
- Analysts note Gardner’s recent metrics dipped from his All-Pro peak, framing the Colts’ move as a high-cost bet, and one NFL executive speculated Indianapolis could explore trading Anthony Richardson to recoup assets.