New York Jets Deal Away Two Elite Cornerbacks as Franchise Teeters on Brink of Rebuild
In a stunning move, the New York Jets have traded away All-Pro cornerbacks Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams just months after signing them to blockbuster extensions. The deals mark a significant shift for the team's defense, which was built around Gardner's lockdown coverage skills.
Gardner, a two-time All-Pro selection, has quickly established himself as one of the league's premier defenders since being drafted fourth overall in 2022. His departure signals a major overhaul for the Jets, who have slumped to a dismal 1-7 record this season and have not made the playoffs since 2010.
In exchange for Gardner, the Indianapolis Colts are sending two first-round picks to New York, signaling the Colts' willingness to make a significant push for Super Bowl contention. With Gardner joining a secondary that already ranks among the league's top units, Indianapolis are betting big on an elite defense to power their playoff run.
Gardner's departure is not the only move made by the Jets general manager, Darren Mougey, before Tuesday's trade deadline. New York also agreed to send defensive lineman Quinnen Williams to the Dallas Cowboys for a second-round pick in 2026, a first-round pick in 2027 and defensive tackle Mazi Smith.
The Colts' acquisition of Gardner is a significant coup for the team, which had been missing a top-level cornerback all season. The deal also marks a major upgrade for Indianapolis' defense, which had been struggling to find consistency.
Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys have been aggressive in their pursuit of talent, acquiring linebacker Logan Wilson from the Cincinnati Bengals for a seventh-round pick. Wilson had requested a trade after his playing time decreased with the Bengals, who have struggled on defense.
Other teams are also making moves ahead of Tuesday's deadline. The Philadelphia Eagles have added edge rusher Jaelan Phillips and cornerbacks Michael Carter II and Jaire Alexander to bolster their roster. The Baltimore Ravens have acquired an edge rusher, Dre'Mont Jones, from Tennessee for a conditional fifth-round pick.
As the trade deadline approaches, several high-profile players are being mentioned in trade speculation, including Bengals All-Pro edge rusher Trey Hendrickson and Jets running back Breece Hall. One thing is clear: this year's NFL trade deadline has been marked by significant moves that could have major implications for the season ahead.
In a stunning move, the New York Jets have traded away All-Pro cornerbacks Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams just months after signing them to blockbuster extensions. The deals mark a significant shift for the team's defense, which was built around Gardner's lockdown coverage skills.
Gardner, a two-time All-Pro selection, has quickly established himself as one of the league's premier defenders since being drafted fourth overall in 2022. His departure signals a major overhaul for the Jets, who have slumped to a dismal 1-7 record this season and have not made the playoffs since 2010.
In exchange for Gardner, the Indianapolis Colts are sending two first-round picks to New York, signaling the Colts' willingness to make a significant push for Super Bowl contention. With Gardner joining a secondary that already ranks among the league's top units, Indianapolis are betting big on an elite defense to power their playoff run.
Gardner's departure is not the only move made by the Jets general manager, Darren Mougey, before Tuesday's trade deadline. New York also agreed to send defensive lineman Quinnen Williams to the Dallas Cowboys for a second-round pick in 2026, a first-round pick in 2027 and defensive tackle Mazi Smith.
The Colts' acquisition of Gardner is a significant coup for the team, which had been missing a top-level cornerback all season. The deal also marks a major upgrade for Indianapolis' defense, which had been struggling to find consistency.
Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys have been aggressive in their pursuit of talent, acquiring linebacker Logan Wilson from the Cincinnati Bengals for a seventh-round pick. Wilson had requested a trade after his playing time decreased with the Bengals, who have struggled on defense.
Other teams are also making moves ahead of Tuesday's deadline. The Philadelphia Eagles have added edge rusher Jaelan Phillips and cornerbacks Michael Carter II and Jaire Alexander to bolster their roster. The Baltimore Ravens have acquired an edge rusher, Dre'Mont Jones, from Tennessee for a conditional fifth-round pick.
As the trade deadline approaches, several high-profile players are being mentioned in trade speculation, including Bengals All-Pro edge rusher Trey Hendrickson and Jets running back Breece Hall. One thing is clear: this year's NFL trade deadline has been marked by significant moves that could have major implications for the season ahead.
I'm telling you, it's like they're trying to sabotage their own team on purpose! First, they sign these guys up and then just throw them away? Sauce Gardner was their ace in the hole, now he's gone. And Quinnen Williams too? What were they thinking?! It's a bunch of hooey. They're gonna struggle even more with this defense now. The Colts are getting a great player for nothing, but at what cost to the Jets? 
They must be gettin' some kinda pressure from above to tank the season. And then there's this weird coincidence about all these teams makin' moves around the trade deadline... it's like they're all in on somethin'. 
! I mean, I know they thought Quinnen Williams was a better fit or something, but come on, two elite cornerbacks? That's like trading away the best part of your defense and expecting to still make the playoffs. Remember when Darrelle Revis used to shut down opponents with ease back in the day? This feels like a similar situation... not that I'm saying it'll end well for them or anything 
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but on the bright side, they got some awesome picks from the colts 
and now indianapolis is basically setting themselves up for a super bowl run 
not sure if darren mougey knew what he was doing with those trades though 
what a shock. I mean, they were signed to big deals but I guess that wasn't enough 
. The Colts are getting some great value with those first-round picks 
. And the Cowboys are building their defense, nice move 
. Meanwhile, other teams are making moves too 
. Maybe the Jets can rebuild and make a comeback? We'll just have to wait and see 
I'm still trying to process what happened with Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams 
The Colts are really taking a chance on them though, I hope it pays off for Indy 
But seriously, the Jets are in a tough spot right now, 1-7 is not something to be proud of 
They need some serious rebuild mode ASAP 
what's going on with those guys? I feel like they were built around Gardner's lockdown coverage skills and now it's like the team is starting from scratch 
the Colts getting two first-round picks for him is a big win, but at what cost? 
. i'm not surprised, though - this season has been a disaster 
They just traded away their best cornerbacks, Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams... like, what were they thinking? One month ago, they signed them to extensions, now they're gone! 
They're basically giving up on their defense now. I guess that's what happens when you have a rebuild-in-progress mindset, huh?
. I get why they made the move though, they were paying him millions a year and not getting much in return... but Indy's gotta be thrilled to get such a high pick and solidify their defense 
and quinnen williams is a beast too 
the jets are just tanking now, i mean who wants to play in new york when you can be part of a real team?