Yes, that is New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner laughing hysterically, and no, he’s not watching Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart, or old-school Richard Pryor standup specials. He’s (and most likely accidentally) spotting yet another absurd National Football League trade “rumor.”
Gardner, 24, replied laughably to an X post suggesting the Atlanta Falcons should trade quarterback Kirk Cousins to the Jets for himself.
From a surface-level distance, it appears the “rumor” is an outlandish trade suggestion coming from a Falcons fan account.
“If the rumors are true, I would trade Kirk Cousins to the Jets for Sauce Gardner,” Baby Girl (Falcon Diva), @itzbabygirl30, posted on X. “Then, during the offseason, we can focus solely on improving the pass rush. AJ x Sauce x Bates.”
Predictably and appropriately, Gardner replied with a laughing emoji.
“Trade rumors (insert laughing emoji),” Gardner responded.
Now that the Jets are moving on from Aaron Rodgers, the rumor mill surrounding the Jets’ next quarterback has exploded. Naturally, another aging signal-caller coming off a 2023 Achilles injury, Kirk Cousins, is firmly in the mix.
Of course, Sauce isn’t buying this particular rumor—along with 99.9% of every human who can comprehend the difference between water and soda. This isn’t even a real rumor at all. (Then again, how does anybody appropriately define what a rumor even is.)
The 2022 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year is coming off his worst season in the NFL. (Although it’s important to note that his “worst” season is still most cornerbacks’ best.)
Gardner compiled 1 interception, 9 passes defended, 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss, and 49 total tackles (36 solo) in 15 games. The two-time First-Team All-Pro and two-time Pro-Bowler failed to make the Pro Bowl in 2024, instead being named an alternate.
Much was made about Gardner’s rough season. Specifically, his tackling struggles were often on full display, and this was especially the case in Arizona against the Cardinals. Instead of wrapping up tight end Trey McBride on a critical third down, Sauce slipped off the big man and allowed him to scamper for the first down.
