Sauce Gardner: Colts' Elite Cornerback Ready for Bounce-Back Season

0:00On April 23rd, the Indianapolis Colts are heading into this year's draft without a first round pick, one of only four teams in that boat. Back in November, they shipped their 2026 and 2027 first rounders to the New York Jets to land star cornerback sauce. Gardener, a two-time all pro who's already proving his value, last season marked a rough debut for Gardener with the Colts. A calf strain sidelined him for five games after week 13 against Houston, cutting his year short to just three outings. Still, over 59 career games, he's racked up 19 interceptions, 49 passes defended, and plenty of run stops. Gardener brushes off any trade pressure, saying he'll grind no matter what. He's locked in on improving and fitting into the team's vision, especially now that vets like Kenny Moore, the second and Zaire Franklin are. Gone traded or shopping for new spots. Head coach Shane Steichen calls him an elite number one corner who elevates the whole secondary with his sticky coverage and aggression.

1:01At 24, Gardener's eyeing a bigger leadership role, something cornerbacks don't always chase. With that fire, the Colts' defense looks primed for a bounce back, and Gardener's all in to make those picks worth every bit.