"Please let me go to an ideal situation": Sauce Gardner reveals honest reaction to getting a call from Jets GM Darren Mougey during trade deadline

Sauce Gardner had no idea he was getting traded by the New York Jets on the deadline on Tuesday. The cornerback inked a four-year contract worth a massive $120.4 million during the offseason, which made him the highest-paid player in his position in the NFL.

However, Gardner became an Indianapolis Colts player before the end of the trade deadline. In his first media availability with his new team, the cornerback disclosed what the conversation looked like with Jets general manager, Darren Mougey, when he was informed about potentially getting traded.

“It was a great situation for me,” Gardner said. “I just got a call from [Jets GM] Mougey. Obviously, the trade deadline was coming up, so I was just like, please let it be like my ideal situation. I don't wanna go to a losing team. I don't wanna go to a team that's like on the other side of the world.” “Obviously, I got drafted there [New York] and everything like that, but so it was like this was a great situation. Knowing a few guys on the team already. Being closer to home, being closer to where I went to college, like God keep blessing me, you know what I mean...so it just worked out perfect.”

Looking to predict NFL playoff Scenarios? Try our NFL Playoff Predictor for real-time simulations and stay ahead of the game!

Sauce Gardner has been one of the bright spots in the Jets’ defense this season despite the team's overall struggle. He's recorded a total of 20 tackles and six passes defended in seven games. He brings a lot of talent to a Colts team that has been impressive this season.

Sauce Gardner discloses his reaction after getting traded to the Colts

Sauce Gardner described the past 48 hours as the most tumultuous of his life. The cornerback never anticipated the sudden trade, but he’s thankful about joining the Colts. In his first media availability, Gardner explained his immediate reaction when the trade was completed.

“I didn't even have time to process it all the way," Gardner said. "I just knew I was coming into a great situation. So, like, I was running in circles in the house.”

The Colts made it known on Thursday that Sauce Gardner has cleared concussion protocol and will be available against the Atlanta Falcons in Berlin on Sunday. The team's coach had revealed on Wednesday that he plans to get him on the field immediately if he is cleared to play.

Gardner’s arrival has immediately boosted the Colts' widely muted Super Bowl hype after a 7-2 start to the season. He’s expected to be paired with Pro Bowl slot cornerback Kenny Moore II.

Edited by Farouk Yusuf