Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams, two star defensive players for the New York Jets, are part of separate blockbuster trades that have reshaped the teams involved. The Jets, aiming to revamp their roster after a prolonged playoff drought, have agreed to trade Gardner, a highly acclaimed cornerback, to the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for two first-round draft picks and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell. Additionally, the Jets will receive the Colts’ first-round selections in both 2026 and 2027.
Meanwhile, Williams, a standout defensive player, is set to join the Dallas Cowboys following a trade that includes a second-round pick in 2026, a first-round pick in 2027, and defensive tackle Mazi Smith. The Jets will also secure the superior of the Cowboys’ two first-round picks in 2027. This move comes as the Cowboys seek to strengthen their defense, which has struggled this season.
In other notable trades on the busy deadline day, the Cowboys acquired linebacker Logan Wilson from the Cincinnati Bengals, while wide receiver Jakobi Meyers was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars from the Las Vegas Raiders. The Seattle Seahawks also made a move, acquiring wideout Rashid Shaheed from the New Orleans Saints.
Gardner, who signed a lucrative contract extension with the Jets earlier this year, now joins the AFC South-leading Colts, providing a significant boost to their defense. On the other hand, Williams, a seasoned Pro Bowl player, will bring his talents to the Cowboys as they look to enhance their defensive capabilities.
The reigning Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, have also been active in the trade market, adding key players like Jaelan Phillips, Michael Carter II, and Jaire Alexander to their roster. These moves aim to strengthen the Eagles’ defense and increase their chances of defending their title successfully.
Overall, the NFL trade deadline has seen several impactful trades, with teams making strategic moves to address their needs and improve their competitiveness in the league.