The Indianapolis Colts sit at 7-2, holding the best record in the NFL, but their success did not come by chance. If not for new owner and CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon’s bold roster moves and fresh team-building vision, the Colts likely wouldn’t be dominating the season the way they are now. She appears to have decided to pursue a Super Bowl in her first season with some unexpected moves.

On November 4, the Colts’ owner traded two first-round picks (2026 and 2027) and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell to the New York Jets for star cornerback Sauce Gardner. It shocked the league. Some analysts praised the deal, while others questioned whether giving up two future first-rounders was too steep. But here’s the interesting part: this blockbuster trade also told us exactly how Carlie Irsay-Gordon feels about quarterback Daniel Jones.

Zak Keefer of The Athletic pointed it out immediately as he wrote on X: 

“Another layer to this Colts’ trade: you don’t give up 1st-round picks each of the next two years if you think you’re gonna be in the market for a QB. This indicates ownership/Ballard/Steichen are sold on Daniel Jones moving forward.”

Keefer suggested that no team gives up back-to-back future first-round picks unless they believe they already have their franchise quarterback secured. So, the Colts’ ownership appears to be all-in on Daniel Jones. But it was only this offseason when head coach Shane Steichen named Daniel Jones the starting QB for the Colts. Many fans and critics thought it was a big gamble. But now it looks like a turning point for the Colts in one of the NFL’s most surprising success stories this season. 

As the starting QB, Daniel Jones has focused on playing clean football, protecting the ball, and executing efficiently. Even in a recent loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, he threw for 313 yards and kept the offense moving. Jones’ numbers this season look impressive – 2,404 passing yards, 14 TDs, 6 INTs, and a 101.7 passer rating in 9 games. But the big question still hangs in the air: can he deliver in the postseason? 

Daniel Jones reached the playoffs once with the New York Giants in 2022. He played well in the Wild Card round but struggled the next week. So, are the Colts betting too much? Can Jones handle playoff pressure while going against top teams like the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs?

Well, the Colts clearly think so, but the real answer will come in January. Nevertheless, the Colts’ owner has made it clear that there is a shift in the philosophy of how the team operates. And the team’s latest $70M trade acquisition is proof enough. 

Carlie Irsay-Gordon acquires a $70M weapon for the Colts

Along with placing trust in Jones, Carlie Isray-Gordon just added one of the league’s top young cornerbacks. Sauce Gardner arrives with a $625k 2025 salary and $70 million guaranteed through 2028. He’s only 25, barely scratching his prime, and that alone makes the deal intriguing.

As Jeff Howe of The Athletic also pointed out: 

“Sauce Gardner is still just 25 years old and under contract through 2030, so he should be a franchise staple for years. And with a coordinator like Lou Anarumo, he should be in terrific hands.”

You can see the vision the Colts have. With the team ranking third in quarterback pressures, a true shutdown corner can transform the defense. Imagine Sauce Gardner locking down one side of the field while the pass rush collapses pockets. Scary for opposing quarterbacks, right? But Gardner hasn’t flashed his peak form with the Jets this season. So, was his dip because of the system he was in, or was it the player himself? 

The Colts would certainly want to believe it’s the former system. Sauce Gardner has forced 49 incompletions and holds a 91.8 PFF coverage grade since entering the league. The cornerback also leads the NFL in lockdown rate at 74.1% this season. So, pair him with Kenny Moore, Jaylon Jones, Charvarius Ward (when healthy), and Cam Bynum, and suddenly the Colts’ secondary looks dangerous again.

Moreover, Carlie Irsay-Gordon made it clear with this trade that the Colts want a Super Bowl run now. So, if Gardner bounces back to All-Pro form and Daniel Jones proves he can win in big moments, this trade could define the Colts’ era.