The New York Jets' decision to trade All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner on Tuesday sent shockwaves through the NFL, stunning fans and leaving analysts and those around the league wondering what exactly is happening in Florham Park.
But while the trade certainly came as a surprise to Jets fans and other teams, the Jets were quietly prepared to move their superstar cornerback if the right opportunity came along. As it turns out, that so-called "right opportunity" came in the form of two first-round picks and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell.
Jets general manager Darren Mougey spoke to reporters following the trade on Tuesday and revealed that the Jets specifically structured Gardner's contract in a way that would make him tradeable.