In less than an NFL game's worth of time, the New York Jets made two blockbuster trades before the November 4, 2025 deadline, reshaping three franchises. First, cornerback Sauce Gardner was sent to the Indianapolis Colts, reported at 12:47 p.m. ET. Then defensive tackle Quinnen Williams was traded to the Dallas Cowboys at 2:05 p.m. ET.
The fallout has been significant. Since the deals, the combined record of the three teams is 14-35. Colts general manager Chris Ballard was fired October 19, and coaches Aaron Glenn of the Jets and Shane Steichen of the Colts are fighting for their jobs after going 4-13 and 3-13. Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer could also be in trouble if Dallas fails to challenge in a watered-down NFC East.
For Gardner, the 25-year-old top young cornerback, the Jets received first-round picks in 2026 and 2027, plus wide receiver Adonai Mitchell, whom New York insisted be included. For Williams, one of the league's best defensive tackles, the Jets landed a 2026 second-round pick, a 2027 first-round pick and defensive tackle Mazi Smith. The Jets also secured the better of Dallas's two 2027 first-round picks, a term they insisted on during negotiations.
The Jets accepted short-term pain for long-term gain and have yet to reap the full benefits. In April they enter the draft with three first-round picks and a glaring need at quarterback. ESPN Analytics projects them to pick fifth, sixth and 14th, and the struggling Colts could land a top-three or top-four selection.
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing