Jets 2026 Draft Picks Analysis: Impact of Sauce Gardner Trade on New York’s Future Capital
The New York Jets have made a significant move ahead of the NFL trade deadline, trading cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts. This transaction signals a pivotal moment for the Jets as they pivot toward a comprehensive rebuild after a lackluster start to the season.
Key Details of the Sauce Gardner Trade
Here are the essential elements of the trade:
- Player Traded: Sauce Gardner
- To: Indianapolis Colts
- In Exchange:
- 2026 first-round pick
- 2027 first-round pick
- Wide Receiver AD Mitchell
Gardner, the fourth overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, recently signed a $120 million extension with the Jets, effective until 2029. However, the team’s early-season struggles prompted the decision to trade him.
Implications for the Jets’ Draft Capital
This trade marks a crucial pivot for the Jets as they accumulate future draft picks:
2026 Draft Picks
- 2026 first-round pick (Jets’ own)
- 2026 first-round pick (from Colts)
- 2026 second-round pick
- 2026 fourth-round pick
- 2026 sixth-round pick
- 2026 seventh-round pick (from Titans)
- 2026 seventh-round pick (from Bills)
The Jets will likely have at least three selections within the top 40 of the 2026 NFL Draft. This is critical as they seek to rebuild their roster effectively.
2027 Draft Picks
- 2027 first-round pick (Jets’ own)
- 2027 first-round pick (from Colts)
- 2027 second-round pick
- 2027 third-round pick
- 2027 fourth-round pick
- 2027 fifth-round pick
- 2027 sixth-round pick
- 2027 sixth-round pick (Conditional from Chiefs)
- 2027 sixth-round pick (Conditional from Eagles)
The Jets’ draft capital for the 2027 NFL Draft is even more substantial, potentially enabling them to make significant roster improvements based on their performance and that of the Colts.
Future Outlook for the New York Jets
With this trade of Sauce Gardner, the Jets have clearly signaled their intent to rebuild. The acquisition of AD Mitchell adds depth to their receiving corps, while the influx of draft picks gives them options to reshape their team moving forward.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the Jets prepare for the upcoming drafts in 2026 and 2027. The decisions made during this period could define the franchise’s future.
