The New York Jets were not expected to be sellers at the trade deadline, given that cornerstones like Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner anchor the team. Yet, in a stunning turn of events, both defensive stars were dealt within hours of the deadline. The moves did not seem planned, but as the day unfolded, general manager Darren Mougey found himself fielding offers that were simply too strong to ignore. What began as a disappointing season quickly transformed into a bold and decisive rebuild for the franchise.
Oct 12, 2025; Tottenham, United Kingdom; New York Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (95) enters the field during an NFL International Series game against the Denver Broncos at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
When the 2025-26 season began, the front office had no intention of trading either player, as both were considered foundational pieces of the Jets’ defense. But circumstances changed quickly as rival teams continued to call, with their offers growing more substantial each day. According to Brian Costello of the New York Post, the front office was ultimately hit with “**_offers they could not refuse_**.”
In fact, the groundwork for the Gardner deal was laid months earlier. When the star cornerback signed his four-year, $120.4 million extension, Mougey and his staff included clauses to allow for future trade flexibility. Mougey [later admitted](https://share.google/4hrkPGSRzKQ4dROa0), “You never know how the future unfolds. We wanted flexibility.” That forward-thinking became critical when the Indianapolis Colts aggressively pushed their final offer. As Mougey described it, the offers “_They just kept getting richer and richer._”
For the 7-2 Colts, acquiring Gardner provides a major boost that will help transform their secondary into one of the league’s most formidable units. Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys, who have had their own struggles on defense, will benefit significantly from adding a dominant force like Williams to their defensive line.
By the time the deadline passed, New York had successfully flipped two of its former top-four draft picks for a massive return. The deals netted an impressive five first-round selections over the next two drafts, along with three second-rounders. Additionally, the Jets acquired former first-round defensive tackle Mazi Smith and second-round wide receiver Adonai Mitchell, completing a haul clearly built for a total reset.
However, this move came with a significant financial cost. New York absorbed $43 million in dead money, but the trades opened up a clear path for the future. Reports suggest the team is now projected to have roughly $117 million in available cap space for 2026, giving Mougey the financial freedom to rebuild the roster from the ground up.
Despite the major trades, not every player was available. The Jets front office held firm on keeping defensive end Jermaine Johnson, running back Breece Hall, and linebacker Quincy Williams, despite receiving strong interest from teams like the Chicago Bears and San Francisco 49ers. Mougey’s refusal to trade within the AFC East and his demand for high value in return showed that he was not just tearing the team apart, but strategically reshaping it on his own terms.
Now, the Jets enter unfamiliar territory. The roster is significantly younger, with most of the remaining players hailing from the 2021 draft class or later. In fact, only long snapper Thomas Hennessy predates that draft class. With a leaner roster and one of the best collections of draft picks in the NFL, the team is poised for change.
While trading away stars like Gardner and Williams will undoubtedly hurt in the short term, Mougey’s message is clear: the Jets are not just starting over, they are starting smarter. If his next series of moves land correctly, this trade deadline could be the turning point that finally rewrites the franchise’s long-suffering narrative.