Rich Cimini and Stephen Holder report that the New York Jets executed two blockbuster trades ahead of the Nov. 4, 2025 deadline, sending cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams to the Dallas Cowboys. The impact has contributed to a combined 14-35 record for the three franchises involved. Gardner, 25, was traded for first-round picks in 2026 and 2027 and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell.
Williams landed a 2026 second-round pick, a 2027 first-round pick and defensive tackle Mazi Smith. Former NFC GM commented that trading two star defenders in their prime "worked out pretty well," suggesting Aaron Glenn may not return in 2027. The Jets accepted short-term pain for long-term gain, entering the draft with three first-round picks.
With a glaring need at quarterback, they hold the fifth (own), sixth (Colts) and 14th (Cowboys) selections according to ESPN Analytics. The Colts are sinking, potentially yielding a top-three or four pick. For the Jets, the Sauce Gardner trade marks the beginning of a rebuild centered on acquiring premium draft capital to address quarterback needs in April.
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing