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The Indianapolis Colts sit at 7-2, but their recent trade for cornerback Sauce Gardner has sparked debate over whether they’ve compromised their future flexibility at quarterback. One insider described the move as proof that the Colts have made their decision on who will lead under center for the foreseeable future. On The Rich Eisen Show, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer didn’t mince words in assessing Indianapolis’ trade for Gardner. ”Giving away two first-round picks does cut you off at the knees when it comes to the chance to acquire a quarterback over the next couple of years,” said Breer. ”And so that tells you that they’re all in on Daniel Jones and that they’re going to move forward with Daniel Jones.” The seventh-year veteran has given the Colts plenty of reasons to believe. Jones is off to one of the best starts in Indianapolis history. Through nine games, he’s emerged as a leader across multiple categories, putting up Offensive Player of the Year-type numbers. ADVERTISEMENT Jones has thrown for 2,404 yards, 14 touchdowns, and just six interceptions, while boasting a 70.6 QBR and a near 70% completion rate. Still, Week 9 was a rough game. “Last weekend, notwithstanding, and that wasn’t great against the Steelers. He’s looked like a different quarterback in Indianapolis,” Breer said. It was indeed Jones worst performance of the season, three interceptions, two fumbles, and five sacks while posting a 63.9 QBR. ADVERTISEMENT The Colts have been searching for a quarterback since Andrew Luck’s sudden retirement in 2019. The franchise has been through 11 different starting quarterbacks in that time span. That’s why Jones’ performance is everything the Colts wanted. The Colts’ move for two-time All-Pro Sauce Gardner represents their effort to achieve just that balance. With Jones leading one of the league’s most efficient offenses, Indianapolis has now fortified the other side of the ball with an elite playmaker capable of transforming their secondary. ADVERTISEMENT Read Top Stories First From EssentiallySports Click here and check box next to EssentiallySports Sauce Gardner trade elevates the Colts’ defensive ceiling Over the first nine weeks, the Colts have proved they can play complementary football at a high level. In all seven of their wins, both the offense and the defense came up with clutch moments to swing games. They currently pace the NFL in scoring at 32.2 points per game and have scored on 62 of 87 possessions, showing their offense can win many ways. Sauce’s elite coverage skills will allow the Colts to be more aggressive up front, turning the pass rush loose on quarterbacks without fear of blown coverages. ADVERTISEMENT “I think our defense has already been doing a phenomenal job, but obviously adding a player like that is a guy that’s going to be able to line up and take a receiver away,” said wide receiver Alec Pierce. “Our DB room right now, if you look at it, is a lot of special players and just obviously adding another great player to that mix is going to make everything better.” Gardner’s presence will be felt on the practice field, too. Battling one of the league’s best corners week in and week out will only sharpen Jones, Michael Pittman Jr. and Jonathan Taylor during weekly prep. Pierce said training camp battles against the complex looks from defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo already made the offense sharper, Gardner adds another layer of challenge that will pay dividends come playoff time. Finally, Gardner’s arrival completes the picture the Colts have built: a roster deep enough to contend on both sides of the ball. ”Really good player, obviously, tremendous,” Jones said. ”He’s a Pro Bowler, All-Pro player. So anytime you can get a guy like that is huge.” ADVERTISEMENT The Colts’ decision to push their chips in trading away future draft capital and committing to Daniel Jones is bold, risky and telling. As Breer suggested, it’s a declaration of faith in their core. They may have cut off their path to a new quarterback, but if Jones and Gardner deliver, it might not matter.
