The NFL trade deadline is rarely as eventful as fans hope it will be. Unlike the NBA and MLB, trading for players midseason and incorporating them effectively is easier said than done. Draft capital is also far more important in the NFL, making teams hesitant to part with their picks. Still, teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers are always looking to improve in any way they can.
That's why they were heavily rumored to be looking for roster upgrades at this year's deadline. Ultimately, no deals transpired, but some blockbuster moves shook the NFL world courtesy of the New York Jets.
In two separate trades, the Jets shipped off cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts and defensive lineman Quinnen Williams to the Dallas Cowboys. Gardner netted them two first-round picks and receiver AD Mitchell, while Williams got them nose tackle Mazi Smith, a 2026 second-round pick, and the higher of the Cowboys' two 2027 first-round picks.
It was a complete teardown for the Jets, who even nearly traded other players as well. While they now have the assets needed to hopefully turn things around, it will be a long and painful next few seasons in New York.
The Steelers should be paying attention to what has happened to the Jets, as the reason for their latest rebuilding effort is something they could be facing in 2026 and beyond.
The Pittsburgh Steelers must avoid the same failures that led to the Jets' fire sale
If you just looked at the Jets' last five draft classes, their complete lack of success seems impossible on the surface. They have hit on the vast majority of their top picks, with players like Alijah Vera-Tucker, Garrett Wilson, Jermaine Johnson, Will McDonald, and the aforementioned Gardner all being well worth their selections thus far. The only clear bust was quarterback Zach Wilson, who is now on his third team.
That is the issue, however. Once it became clear that Wilson wasn't the answer at the game's most important position, the Jets pivoted to trading for Aaron Rodgers in 2023. We all know how that turned out, and they moved on from the former MVP in favor of former Steelers QB Justin Fields this offseason.
Now eight games into the season, the Jets sit at a measly 1-7 with Fields playing mostly below-average football. Ironically, one of his few good showings came against the Steelers in Week 1, but it's been a struggle for the most part.
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That brings us to the teardown that just took place. The Jets realized that having all of these talented defenders meant nothing if the QB position was an issue. Amassing a treasure trove of picks will give them the best possible chance to find that franchise QB, and then add pieces to solidify the roster.
The Steelers may have been much more competitive than the Jets in that same timeframe, but what do they really have to show for it? A few playoff appearances with no victories?
Rodgers is giving them the best QB play they have gotten since Ben Roethlisberger retired, but he isn't a long-term solution at 41 years old. If they can't find a capable replacement for him in 2026, what could this team look like with an aging and expensive defense?
I am not advocating for a complete and total rebuild, but Omar Khan and the rest of the decision makers in Pittsburgh must be careful not to put all their eggs in one basket. If they do plan on selecting their next franchise QB in 2026, having a plan in place to pivot if they fail is just as vital. If that means selling off expensive players, even if they're still good, then so be it. Here's hoping it doesn't come to that.