NFL reacts to Colts' massive trade with Jets

In what became a flat-out, free-for-all during the NFL's trade deadline on Tuesday, as some big names moved to Super Bowl contenders. But the biggest of them all, and the one that has everyone talking, was the Indianapolis Colts acquiring cornerback Sauce Gardner from the New York Jets.

Gardner, 25, was the Jets' first-round selection (4th overall) in the 2022 NFL Draft, and he made an instant impact, winning the Defensive Rookie of the Year. From there, he blossomed into one of the best cover corners in the league today, earning All-Pro honors in 2022 and 2023.

However, with the Jets (1-7) suffering through another lost season, Gardner became the bargaining chip they needed. New York sent the talented defensive back to Indianapolis for the Colts' next two first-round selections and a wide receiver, AD Mitchell.

While that may seem like a high price tag, the Colts now have Gardner under contract for the next five seasons, thanks to Sauce signing a five-year extension with the Jets previously.

MORE: Colts GM reacts to blockbuster trade with Jets for All-Pro defender

The NFL world reacted to the huge news with a mixture of shock, excitement, and even a dash of dismay.

"The Jets just extended Sauce Gardner. They viewed him as a building block and cornerstone of franchise at the time," wrote Connor Hughes on social media. What a difference a few weeks make. They’re trading him to the Colts."

"Sauce Gardner has faced opponent #1 receivers on 45.5% of his coverage matchups, the NFL's highest rate (min. 125 matchups)," Next Gen Stats laid out. "When targeted, he has forced tight windows (<1 yard of separation) at a 52.0% rate, also leading the league (min. 20 targets)."

Former Colts punter and podcaster Pat McAfee simply posted: "WELCOME TO INDIANAPOLIS!"