The New York Jets made shocking moves at the NFL trade deadline, sending All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for multiple first-round picks and young players. General manager Darren Mougey defended the deals as opportunities too good to pass up, insisting the team remains focused on winning despite the 1-7 record. The trades position New York with five first-round picks over the next two drafts for a potential rebuild.
The New York Jets stunned the NFL on Tuesday by trading two cornerstone defenders ahead of the trade deadline. All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner, who signed a four-year, $120 million extension in July, was dealt to the Indianapolis Colts for two first-round picks (2026 and 2027) and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell. In a separate blockbuster, three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Quinnen Williams was sent to the Dallas Cowboys for a 2026 second-round pick, a 2027 first-rounder, and defensive lineman Mazi Smith.
Jets general manager Darren Mougey emphasized that the moves were not a signal of surrender. "The goal is always to win," Mougey said. "These coaches and players work too hard every day... with the goal of winning on Sunday. That never changes." He noted that the Colts' offer for Gardner improved until it became "too good to pass up," and the contract was structured with trade flexibility in mind. Regarding Williams, Mougey kept discussions private out of respect for other teams.
The deals leave the Jets with five first-round picks over the next two years, including their own Nos. 3 and 32 in 2026 (subject to postseason outcomes), plus two seconds that year. At 1-7 and facing their 15th straight year without playoffs, New York now eyes a rebuild. Potential 2026 targets include EDGE Rueben Bain Jr. from Miami at No. 3 and CB Colton Hood from Tennessee at No. 32 to replace lost talent.
The shakeup continued with linebacker Quincy Williams, a 2023 All-Pro, being benched for underperformance since training camp. Rookie Francisco Mauigoa and veteran Mykal Walker are expected to see more action. The Jets host the Cleveland Browns (2-7) on Sunday, but focus shifts to leveraging the draft haul for long-term success.