The New York Jets made two massive blockbuster moves at the 2025 NFL trade deadline. While losing both Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams will sting in the short term, those moves have given the Jets a ton of ammo in the next two drafts.
It's a massive shift in philosophy for the Jets, and points towards a willingness to look towards the future rather than trying to win in 2025.
The next day, Connor Hughes of SNYtv shared Aaron Glenn's reaction to the deadline moves from the Jets. And Glenn's reaction mirrors that of the NFL world to the Jets' trade deadline.
Jets' Aaron Glenn shares 'intense' reaction to trade deadline
"That was a pretty intense day," Glenn said of the trade deadline.
#Jets HC Aaron Glenn: “That was a pretty intense day” pic.twitter.com/a75RiRlIOO
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) November 5, 2025
New York completed three trades on deadline day, and while their third move was a small trade for cornerback Ja'Sir Taylor from the Los Angeles Chargers for a conditional 2028 7th-round pick, the first two moves were blockbusters that stunned the NFL world
Gardner was sent to the Indianapolis Colts for two first-round picks and former 2024 second-rounder, wide receiver Adonai Mitchell.
Williams was traded to the Dallas Cowboys for a 2026 second-round pick, and the higher of the Cowboys' two 2027 first-round picks, along with defensive tackle Mazi Smith.
Those two trades reshaped the Jets' defense, while also adding a ton of value to help rebuild a roster in need of some major changes.
More: What did the Jets get in return for Sauce Gardner? Full trade details on stunning move with Colts
Darren Mougey and Glenn had one of the more intense trade deadlines in recent NFL history, with both of their blockbuster trades coming out of nowhere, stunning the NFL world.
But, while they were big moves, and risky ones at that, the Jets' plan is clear: build for the future. In the next two drafts, the Jets will try and find a franchise quarterback.
Woody Johnson has handed Glenn and Mougey the keys to the franchise, and these two trades were a clear indication that the Jets are looking to the future.
The 2025 NFL trade deadline was an intense day for the Jets, as Glenn and Mougey made their first moves to drastically alter the course of the franchise.
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- Why Jets' pair of deadline blockbuster trades are great for New York's future
- Why did Jets trade Quinnen Williams? New York deals Pro-Bowler to Cowboys as selloff continues
- Jets' final trade revealed an hour after 2025 NFL deadline passed
- What did the Jets get in return for Quinnen Williams? Full trade details on blockbuster deal with Cowboys