Quinnen Williams posted a heartfelt message to the New York Jets and their fans after the defensive tackle was traded to the Dallas Cowboys on the same day Sauce Gardner left the team
07:03 ET, 05 Nov 2025
Quinnen Williams #95 of the New York Jets warms up prior to a NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on September 29, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida.
View 3 Images
Quinnen Williams has been traded to the Dallas Cowboys
Quinnen Williams has paid tribute to the New York Jets after the franchise traded him away to the Dallas Cowboys at the NFL's trade deadline.
In what was a blockbuster day of action in the NFL, the Jets traded away arguably their two best players in Williams to the Cowboys and Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts. The Jets, who drafted Williams third overall in the 2019 NFL Draft, received a 2027 first-round pick, a 2026 second-round pick and defensive tackle Mazi Smith in exchange for the former Alabama star.
Article continues below
Gardner, meanwhile, was traded to the Colts for two first-round picks (2026 and 2027) and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell.
Article continues below
READ MORE: Sauce Gardner shows true colors with reaction to young Jets fan crushed by trade to ColtsREAD MORE: Cowboys pounce at high price as Jets completely tear up team at NFL trade deadline
During Williams' run in New York, the Jets never finished with a winning record.
The 2025 season is also a lost cause following their 1-7 start under Aaron Glenn, with New York opting to acquire draft assets in an effort to set themselves up for the future.
Taking to X, Williams penned an emotional tribute to the organization that drafted him.
Williams was selected by the New York Jets with the third overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft
View 3 Images
Williams was selected by the New York Jets with the third overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft(Image: Getty)
He wrote on social media: "New York will always have a special place in my heart.
"To my teammates, coaches, and the entire Jets organization, thank you for believing in me and helping me develop on and off the field.
"To the fans, thank you for embracing a kid from Alabama and showing love through every high and low. You welcomed me with open arms, and gave me a place to grow. Your energy and passion made every game unforgettable. I’m excited for what’s next in Dallas and can’t wait to get to work."
Content cannot be displayed without consent
In trading for Williams, the Cowboys gave up one of the picks they received from the Green Bay Packers for Micah Parsons prior to the start of the 2025 season.
"You’re set on what these values are really — what they’re really worth and these players and what you might be willing to do to part ways with them," said Jets GM Darren Mougey on Tuesday after it was confirmed they were trading Williams and Gardner away.
New Indianapolis Colts cornerback Sauce Gardner looks on
View 3 Images
Sauce Gardner joins the Indianapolis Colts after more than three seasons with the New York Jets(Image: Photo by Logan Bowles/Getty Images)
"We got to today and had these offers that we felt were just too good for the team."
Article continues below
But the reality for the Jets is that they won't ever be a contender until they find their quarterback of the future, something they are now set up to do given the significant draft capital they have built up heading into the 2026 and 2027 NFL Drafts.
In 2026, the Jets will have two firsts, two seconds, a fourth, a sixth and two seventh-round picks. Then in 2027, they have three firsts, a second, a third, a fourth, a fifth and two sixths.