Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams, two star defensive players for the New York Jets, have been involved in significant trades that have reshaped their teams. Gardner, a standout cornerback, has been traded to the Indianapolis Colts for two first-round draft picks and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell. Meanwhile, Williams is set to join the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a second-round pick in 2026, a first-round pick in 2027, and defensive tackle Mazi Smith.
The Jets will receive the Colts’ first-round selections in 2026 and 2027 as part of the Gardner trade and will also acquire the Cowboys’ better first-round pick in 2027 in the Williams deal. These moves come as the Jets aim to rebuild their team and address their defensive needs. Notably, the Cowboys, who have struggled defensively this season, have made moves to strengthen their defensive unit ahead of the NFL trade deadline.
In addition to these trades, other notable moves have occurred on the busy deadline day. The Cowboys acquired linebacker Logan Wilson from the Cincinnati Bengals, while wide receiver Jakobi Meyers has been traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars from the Las Vegas Raiders. The Seattle Seahawks have also secured wideout Rashid Shaheed from the New Orleans Saints in exchange for draft picks.
Gardner, a highly regarded cornerback, signed a lucrative contract extension with the Jets earlier this year and now joins the AFC South-leading Colts. Williams, a Pro Bowl selection, brings his talent to the Cowboys, adding depth to their defensive line. Meyers’ move to the Jaguars provides them with additional options in the receiving corps, while Wilson’s trade to the Ravens addresses a need for the team.
The reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles have also been active in the lead-up to the deadline, adding edge rusher Jaelan Phillips and cornerbacks Michael Carter II and Jaire Alexander to bolster their defense. These acquisitions aim to enhance the Eagles’ chances for another successful season.
Overall, the NFL trade deadline has seen several impactful trades, with teams making strategic moves to strengthen their rosters and address key areas of need.