Leading up to Tuesday's trade deadline, there was a lot of talk about it being a boring day across the league, as most expected trades weren't expected to be anything newsworthy. That has been far from the case so far, however, although the Patriots haven't been part of the action just yet.
Beyond the typical predicted trades, the New York Jets and Indianapolis Colts just broke the internet with a blockbuster trade involving Pro Bowl cornerback Sauce Gardner.
The Jets, who are continuing their 30 year long rebuild, have decided to move on from their superstar player by sending him to the 7-2 Colts in exchange for two future first-round draft picks. It's a hefty price to pay, but the Colts are going all-in and taking advantage of their recent success by cashing in on creating a dominant secondary.
ESPN sources: Colts are trading two first-round picks to the Jets for CB Sauce Gardner. pic.twitter.com/kX7mFK1Cw4
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 4, 2025
This is a massive move in general, but even more so for the Patriots, who have had to deal with Gardner over the last 2022, and will now be free of him on the field for their upcoming game against the Jets in Week 11.
The Jets trading Sauce Gardner before their first game vs. the Patriots is a big blessing for New England
Despite the Patriots continued success against the Jets over the years, and the expectation that they will annihilate them this season, there has always been a concern about how the offense will fare against a secondary led by Gardner.
There's a reason he is a two-time Pro Bowler, was the Defensive Rookie of the Year, and why the Colts had to give up two first-round picks to acquire him; he's just that good. So the fact that the Patriots won't have to account for him in their matchups against the Jets this year, or for the next five years, is a big plus.
That means Drake Maye will have even more success against their defense and should be able to continue his record-breaking performance by throwing all over their cornerbacks.