The Jets parted ways with two of their best players at the trade deadline. Only time will tell if their decision to deal them will prove costly.
Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams represented two of the precious few bright spots on New York's team in recent seasons. Both All-Pro talents, Gardner and Williams were among the biggest reasons why the Jets' defense flourished during the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
All good things come to an end, though. And amid another lackluster start to the year, New York opted to sell high for two of its most appealing performers. The Jets sent Gardner to the Colts and Williams to the Cowboys, blowing up their already-precarious defense in one swoop. They were rewarded handsomely for it.
Here's a complete look at the assets New York acquired in exchange for Gardner and Williams' services.
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Sauce Gardner trade details
- Colts receive: CB Sauce Gardner
- Jets receive: WR Adonai Mitchell, 2026 first-round pick, 2027 first-round pick
It was always going to take a king's ransom to pry Gardner out of the Big Apple. In the end, the Colts parted ways with 2024 second-rounder Adonai Mitchell as well as two first-round picks to land their man. That'a a comparable return to what the Cowboys got when they sent Micah Parsons to the Packers.
New York's new front office inked Gardner to a big-money extension in the offseason, an apparent indication of its faith in the fourth-year cornerback after an inconsistent 2024. There was little reason to believe Jets brass had reneged on its commitment to the 25-year old cornerback prior to his move. Nevertheless, Indianapolis appears to have made Gang Green an offer they couldn't refuse.
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Quinnen Williams trade details
- Cowboys receive: DT Quinnen Williams
- Jets receive: DT Mazi Smith, 2026 first-round pick, 2027 second-round pick
Williams' departure was far less surprising, with star defensive tackle reportedly requesting a trade three times before making his move.
That didn't prevent New York from scoring an impressive return for the 27-year old. The 2027 second-round pick could very well land a first-round caliber talent, especially if the inconsistency that has plagued Dallas' early-season run continues. Meanwhile, an additional 2027 first-rounder provides Dallas with a tantalizing asset — it can be used to bring in more talent or packaged to move up in the draft.
All of that is to say, Williams didn't come cheap for Dallas.
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Jets 2026 draft picks
After their latest flourish, New York added a pair of useful trade assets come the 2026 NFL Draft. The Indianapolis first-rounder will likely sit somewhere in the 20s. The Dallas pick, by comparison, figures to convey inside the top-45. That means the Jets are armed with three top-40ish picks. They can be aggressive if they so desire, particularly if a hurler they like is available in the early stages of the first round.
- Round 1
- Round 1 (via Colts)
- Round 2
- Round 2 (via Cowboys)
- Round 4
- Round 6
- Round 6 (via Bills)
- Round 6 (via Titans)
- Round 7 (via Bills)
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Jets 2027 draft picks
Much like 2026, New York figures to have at least two first-rounders, with the 2027 second-rounder having the potential to masquerade as a first-rounder in trade talks. Once more, that level of flexibility could bring about serious fireworks if New York has eyes on a specific talent at the front end of the draft.
- Round 1 (via Colts)
- Round 1 (via Cowboys, the better of Dallas' two first-round picks)
- Round 1
- Round 2
- Round 3
- Round 4
- Round 5
- Round 6
- Round 6 (via Chiefs, conditional)
- Round 7 (via Eagles, conditional)