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NFL·ANALYSIS·October 20, 2026 12:38 PM ET

Analysts say Sauce Gardner trade mortgaged Colts future

Gardner left Oct. 18 game with calf injury

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 1h1 min read
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“That is such a bad trade..they don’t have a QB for the future and they don’t have a 1st-round pick, this franchise is a Via @NFLonCBS on X

What happened: Prisco and BMac said the Colts paid a first-round pick for Sauce Gardner without a long-term quarterback in place. They called the combination a roster bind that leaves Indianapolis short on premium draft capital.

Why it matters: Without a first-round pick, Indianapolis has less flexibility to add a young quarterback or The cost stings more with Gardner questionable to return Oct. 18 with a calf injury.

By the numbers: Gardner entered the league as the No. He recorded 36 tackles in 11 games in 2025, split between two teams.

What to watch: Watch how Indianapolis addresses quarterback and whether Gardner returns to full availability.

Sources

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