Jets Trade Deadline Shakeup
During the trade deadline on Tuesday, the Jets made some significant moves, trading cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Colts and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams to the Cowboys. These deals came as surprises, especially considering the implications for future drafts and team strategy.
Following the trades, the Jets are set to gain two first-round picks in the upcoming draft, two second-round picks, and an impressive three first-round picks in 2027. That could really reshape their future.
The deal for Gardner included wide receiver Adonai Mitchell, along with first-round picks from Indianapolis for 2026 and 2027. Mitchell, previously picked 13th overall, was seen as a promising addition after coach Gang Green brought in another receiver, Malachi Coley, in 2024.
Despite his talent—evidenced by 11 touchdowns in his final season at Texas—Mitchell has struggled to find a groove with the Colts. In fact, he caught only 32 passes for 464 yards—with no touchdowns—over the last season. It’s a bit surprising, really, considering he seemed poised for a breakout.
In a loaded 2025 offense for Indianapolis, he was overshadowed by players like Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce. Yet, with the Jets’ receiving corps facing issues this season, perhaps he’ll finally get a chance to shine.
Garrett Wilson and Josh Reynolds both picked up injuries before the bye week, and the Jets added John Metchie III from the Eagles recently. However, Metchie, despite being another exciting talent, hasn’t consistently proved himself in the NFL.
Shortly after the Gardner deal, general manager Darren Mosey orchestrated another notable trade, sending Williams to Dallas. In return, the Jets received a second-round pick for 2026 and a top second-round pick in 2027 from the Cowboys—either their pick or the one from the Packers in the Micah Parsons trade.
Additionally, they picked up 24-year-old defensive tackle Maj Smith, a former first-rounder from 2023, who has shown promise with 57 tackles, three sacks, and six quarterback hits over two seasons.
Remarkably, Smith has seen limited action this season, playing in only five games and being a healthy scratch in a recent loss to the Cardinals. However, both he and Mitchell, with their contracts extending into the future, could find a fresh start with new opportunities under the Jets’ system.
Williams and Gardner, both originally considered key building blocks for the franchise, were intended to be cornerstones during the Mousey and Aaron Glenn eras. Now, it’s up to the Jets to identify and build the next core of players.
