Between now and training camp, we will be going through the Indianapolis Colts’ full 90-man roster, previewing each player.
Up next is cornerback Sauce Gardner, who wears No. 1.
Profile
When did Sauce Gardner join the Colts?
The Colts traded for Gardner prior to the 2025 trade deadline. Indianapolis sent two first-round picks and wide receiver AD Mitchell to the New York Jets for Gardner.
2025 season recap for Sauce Gardner
A calf injury limited Gardner to only four games in a Colts uniform, but he was able to showcase the impact that he can have. In those games, Gardner allowed a completion rate of 54%, giving up just 7.3 yards per catch, with three pass breakups.
Looking ahead to 2026 season for Sauce Gardner
Gardner has the ability to lock down half of the football field with his presence in coverage. Beyond filling his own column on the stat sheet with interceptions and pass breakups, Gardner allows defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo to call much more aggressive games.
Gardner’s ability to travel with an opponent’s top wideout also provides Anarumo with additional flexibility as he builds out his weekly game plans.
The Colts’ defense will experience Gardner’s impact in a variety of ways.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts roster: How Sauce Gardner’s impact goes beyond the stat sheet
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Colts Wire / Colts Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Paul Bretl, Colts Wire | USA TODAY Network
