Jets Trade Gardner to Colts, Williams to Cowboys

The New York Jets made two blockbuster trades at the 2025 NFL trade deadline on Tuesday, sending star cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams to the Dallas Cowboys, signaling a shift toward a long-term rebuild for the struggling franchise.

With a 1-7 record midway through the season, the Jets parted ways with two of their top defensive players in moves that netted significant draft capital. In the Gardner deal, New York acquired a first-round pick in 2026, a first-round pick in 2027 and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell from Indianapolis. Hours later, the Jets traded Williams to Dallas for a second-round pick in 2026, a first-round selection in 2027 and defensive tackle Mazi Smith. The transactions followed the earlier trade of nickel cornerback Michael Carter II to Philadelphia last week, further depleting the defense that was once considered among the league's top units.

General Manager Darren Mougey described the moves as opportunities to build rather than a full teardown. "When an opportunity presents itself for us to be able to build this team, it's hard to pass it up," head coach Aaron Glenn said Wednesday at the team's Florham...