Stephen A Smith makes his feelings known on Colts trading for Sauce Gardner: "They need help on the back end"

Stephen A. Smith has reacted to the Indianapolis Colts’ deadline move to trade for cornerback Sauce Gardner. The Colts acquired the former New York Jets star on Tuesday in exchange for 2026 and 2027 first-round picks and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell.

Smith dissected the trade on Wednesday’s episode of First Take, noting the importance of the trade for the Colts. He said:

“Colts have the 26th-ranked pass defense. They need help on the back end, okay? And, oh, by the way, when you look at all the pieces that they have, yes. Daniel Jones returned to normal… They got a veteran defense; they’re clearly going all in.”

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He went on to project a good Colts career for Sauce Gardner, saying:

“Sauce Gardner is a baller. That brother can play, okay? And I think his being on Indy, he’s gonna look better than he looked, at least the last couple of years with the New York Jets.”

Gardner was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, joining the Jets after an illustrious career with the Cincinnati Bearcats. The Cincinnati alum has since established himself as one of the best defensive players in the league.

The fourth-year cornerback earned the Defensive Rookie of the Year award in 2022. He also earned Pro Bowl and First-Team All-Pro honors, incredible feats he replicated in 2023. In 55 NFL games, Gardner has recorded 201 tackles, six tackles for loss, a sack, 47 passes defended, one forced fumble, and three interceptions.

The 25-year-old is third in the NFL in passes defended, while he leads the league in completion percentage allowed (50.3%) since joining the league.

What Sauce Gardner adds to the Colts’ defense

At 6 ft 3 and 190 pounds, Sauce Gardner gives the Colts an imposing presence in defense. The former Jets star also has the speed to haunt opposing receivers in any direction on the field. The Colts' general manager, Chris Ballard, acknowledged the cornerback’s value to the team when he said:

“Having the opportunity to acquire a talented player like Sauce Gardner was one we did not want to pass on… Sauce is a proven cornerback. His skill and competitive nature will elevate everyone’s play on the defensive unit. We’re thrilled he’s a Colt.”

The Colts are 7-2 and sit at the top of the AFC South, leading the playoff race in their division.

Edited by Kayode Akinwumi