WATCH: Video of Pat McAfee losing it over Sauce Gardner trade to Colts goes viral

The New York Jets and Sauce Gardner are no more. The Jets sent the star cornerback to the Indianapolis Colts on Tuesday, potentially changing the fate of both teams in the short and long term. Reactions poured in, but perhaps none as emphatic as former Colts punter Pat McAfee, who offered an opening message to Gardner.

McAfee spoke on a Tuesday clip of the "Pat McAfee Show" posted on X, communicating clear excitement about the addition of the cornerback, welcoming Gardner with open arms.

"The Jets are trading Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts because the Colts need secondary help and the Jets is the Jets. Sauce, welcome to town, brother. ... Sauce Gardner, you're going to love Indianapolis. You're going to love this place, we're going to love you."

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Gardner joins a secondary that includes Mekhi Blackmon, Johnathan Edwards, Cameron Mitchell, Nick Cross, Cam Bynum, and others. Many saw the team's secondary as a potential weakness, but with Gardner now on the Colts, it is clear the team is attempting to pull out all of the stops.

The team's secondary has been hit hard by injuries, with Charvarious Ward, Daniel Scott, Hunter Wohler, and Justin Walley on IR. Gardner's addition is set to help, but there is one big question remaining about the cornerback's fit with the team.

Sauce Gardner's health raises questions about starting timeline

Sauce Gardner at Carolina Panthers v New York Jets - NFL 2025 - Source: Getty

The New York Jets cornerback's talent is undeniable, but one big question heading into Week 10 is whether Sauce Gardner will be ready for Sunday's overseas matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. Gardner has been battling a concussion, which has sidelined him from every game since Oct. 20.

Not only is Gardner in a race against time to get the team's playbook down by Sunday, but he is also fighting another battle to overcome a concussion in time to play. With Drake London coming off a remarkable three-touchdown performance in Week 9, the need for Gardner is likely tangible in the building.

Of course, getting traded away from arguably the least impressive team in the AFC to the most impressive team serves as a nice dose of medicine.

If Gardner is unable to start in Week 10, his next possible starting opportunity won't be until Nov. 23 against the reigning AFC Champion Kansas City Chiefs. By that time, his health and playbook knowledge should both be in playing shape. Of course, with the game taking place in Kansas City, it sets the stage for quite a debut for Gardner in his second NFL tenure. Will it be a good one?

Edited by Ian Van Roy