The Indianapolis Colts sit at 7-2, but their recent trade for cornerback Sauce Gardner has sparked debate over whether they’ve compromised their future flexibility at quarterback. One insider described the move as proof that the Colts have made their decision on who will lead under center for the foreseeable future.

On The Rich Eisen Show, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer didn’t mince words in assessing Indianapolis’ trade for Gardner. ”Giving away two first-round picks does cut you off at the knees when it comes to the chance to acquire a quarterback over the next couple of years,” said Breer. ”And so that tells you that they’re all in on Daniel Jones and that they’re going to move forward with Daniel Jones.”

The seventh-year veteran has given the Colts plenty of reasons to believe. Jones is off to one of the best starts in Indianapolis history. Through nine games, he’s emerged as a leader across multiple categories, putting up Offensive Player of the Year-type numbers.

Jones has thrown for 2,404 yards, 14 touchdowns, and just six interceptions, while boasting a 70.6 QBR and a near 70% completion rate.

Still, Week 9 was a rough game. “Last weekend, notwithstanding, and that wasn’t great against the Steelers. He’s looked like a different quarterback in Indianapolis,” Breer said. It was indeed Jones worst performance of the season, three interceptions, two fumbles, and five sacks while posting a 63.9 QBR.

The Colts have been searching for a quarterback since Andrew Luck’s sudden retirement in 2019. The franchise has been through 11 different starting quarterbacks in that time span. That’s why Jones’ performance is everything the Colts wanted.

By acquiring two-time All-Pro Sauce Gardner, the Colts have taken a decisive step toward achieving roster balance. With Daniel Jones steering one of the league’s most efficient offenses, Indianapolis has now fortified its defense with a premier playmaker capable of transforming the secondary.

Sauce Gardner trade elevates the Colts’ defensive ceiling

Over the first nine weeks, the Colts have proven they can play complementary football at a high level. In all seven of their wins, both the offense and defense delivered clutch moments to swing games. They currently lead the NFL in scoring with 32.2 points per game and have scored on 62 of 87 possessions, demonstrating that their offense can win in multiple ways.

Sauce Gardner’s elite coverage skills will allow the Colts to play more aggressively up front, unleashing their pass rush on opposing quarterbacks without worrying about blown coverages.

“I think our defense has already been doing a phenomenal job, but obviously adding a player like that is a guy that’s going to be able to line up and take a receiver away,” said wide receiver Alec Pierce. “Our DB room right now, if you look at it, is a lot of special players and just obviously adding another great player to that mix is going to make everything better.”

Gardner’s presence will be felt on the practice field as well. Facing one of the league’s top corners week in and week out will sharpen Daniel Jones, Michael Pittman Jr., and Jonathan Taylor during weekly prep.

Pierce noted that training camp battles against the complex schemes of defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo already improved the offense, Gardner adds another layer of challenge that could pay dividends come playoff time.

Finally, the 25-year-old’s arrival completes the picture the Colts have built: a roster deep enough to contend on both sides of the ball. ”Really good player, obviously, tremendous,” Jones said. ”He’s a Pro Bowler, All-Pro player. So anytime you can get a guy like that is huge.”

The Colts’ decision to go all-in, trading away future draft capital and committing to Daniel Jones, is bold, risky, and revealing. As Breer noted, it signals a clear vote of confidence in their core. While they may have closed the door on pursuing a new quarterback, that gamble could pay off if Jones and Gardner deliver.