This feels like it could work out for both teams. As tough as it must be for the Jets to watch a young star leave like this, New York needs so much. Its roster is more than a quarterback away from being a contender. Not only does the Jets move give them more flexibility around what to do at QB over the next two drafts, it also provides them a huge capital boost. The Jets could take a QB early in the 2026 draft, wait and do it later in the first, or even wait until 2027 while also adding more starter-caliber talent in the process.
For the Colts, this is a lot to give up for a corner — though, Sauce Gardner is an elite one. But I like the gamble, as Indianapolis clearly believes it has enough to make a run not just this season, but over the next couple. The Colts aren’t likely to be picking much higher than the 20s in the 2026 or (they hope) ’27 drafts.
This does turn up the immediate pressure. Colts GM Chris Ballard clearly sees a wide-open NFL right now — and found a chance to make up some ground.