In a stunning turn of events before the NFL trade deadline, the New York Jets have traded two of their star players, cornerback Sauce Gardner and defensive lineman Quinnen Williams, signaling a full-blown rebuild. The moves come as the Jets, with a dismal 1-7 record, face a likely playoff drought extending to 14 seasons.
Gardner, a two-time All-Pro and one of the league’s premier cornerbacks, has been traded to the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for two first-round picks. The 22-year-old cornerback, who was drafted No. 4 overall in 2022, had quickly established himself as one of the top defenders in the league, and his departure leaves a massive hole in the Jets’ defense. The Colts, currently 7-2 and in playoff contention, are clearly betting on an elite defense to drive their Super Bowl hopes.
Meanwhile, Williams, another key piece of New York’s defensive unit, has been traded to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a second-round pick in 2026, a first-round pick in 2027, and defensive tackle Mazi Smith. Williams, a dominant force on the interior line, was instrumental in New York’s defensive success. His trade continues the Jets’ shift toward a complete rebuild under general manager Darren Mougey.
The Jets’ moves have sent shockwaves throughout the NFL, especially as they part with two cornerstone players less than a year after Gardner signed a massive four-year, $120 million extension. With these trades, New York has effectively opened the door for a new era, possibly signaling a shift to focusing on younger talent and building for the future.
On the other side, the Colts are looking to boost their already strong defense, which ranks among the best in the league. Gardner’s addition to a secondary that includes established stars is a clear move toward strengthening their chances in the postseason.
These moves mark a significant turning point for both franchises. The Jets’ rebuild is in full swing, while the Colts are all-in on making a Super Bowl push. Other teams are also making moves, with the Dallas Cowboys acquiring linebacker Logan Wilson and the Philadelphia Eagles adding defensive talent to continue their title defense.
With the trade deadline passing, the league’s playoff picture has become even more intriguing, as teams scramble to make adjustments for the second half of the season.
