When the conversation turns to the 2026 Indianapolis Colts, Jonathan Taylor is usually one of the first names that comes up. But Sauce Gardner belongs in that same opening thought, and maybe even at the center of it.
Even after joining Indianapolis in a midseason trade from the New York Jets and appearing in just four games for the Colts last year, Gardner still carries the kind of reputation that changes how a roster is viewed. ESPN’s Mike Clay reflected that by slotting the Colts’ cornerback group at No. 8 in his preseason rankings, making it a top-10 unit heading into 2026.
Only four AFC teams ranked ahead of Indianapolis at cornerback, including the AFC South’s Houston Texans, who checked in at No. 1.
That ranking makes sense when you look back at what the Colts were dealing with last season. Indianapolis allowed the second-most passing yards in the league, but the group still finished top-10 in interceptions while injuries kept the room in constant flux.
The upside is obvious if the Colts can keep their top two corners on the field. Gardner gives the unit an All-Pro anchor, and Charvarius Ward gives it another proven starter on the other side.
Ward is entering his second season with Indianapolis after playing only seven games last year because of injuries. Even with the limited availability, he made his presence felt, allowing a completion rate of just 56% when targeted.
His résumé is already well established. In 2024, Ward was a Pro-Bowler and second-team All-Pro, and he finished that season with five interceptions and 23 passes defended.
Put Gardner and Ward together and the Colts have the kind of starting pair that can justify the praise. The big question, as the ranking suggests, is simple: if both stay healthy, Indianapolis has a legitimate top-10 cornerback room.
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Alec Pierce Just Changed The Feel Of Colts Camp
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For the Colts, the timing matters because Pierce is not just another body getting eased along in camp. He signed a four-year, $114 million contract and is expected to be a key piece of the offense, so every step he takes now carries real weight for a team trying to sharpen its passing game before September. The only question left is how quickly he can translate this recovery into the form Indianapolis needs from him. [Read more 🡒]