Jets' 2025 Trades: One-Year Review

The New York Jets face a critical moment in April 2027, when they may enter the NFL draft with three first-round selections. This potential outcome stems directly from two trades executed on Nov. 4, 2025, which sent cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams to the Dallas Cowboys. The combined record of the three franchises since that date stands at 14 wins and 35 losses.

The trade deadline moves reshaped the rosters of all three teams. Indianapolis was 7-2 at the time of the Gardner deal, but the Colts have since collapsed. General Manager Chris Ballard was fired on Oct. 19, and head coach Shane Steichen is 3-13 since the transaction. The team recently traded guard Quenton Nelson and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner for draft capital and suffered a 42-7 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. Gardner has missed five of 16 games due to calf injuries, stating, "It's definitely tough." He added, "I'm a man of faith, so it's just one of those things where it's like, everything happens for a reason."

In Dallas, Williams signed a three-year, $105.9 million extension in August 2025. Despite early struggles, his play has improved, and he now leads all defensive tackles with 11 tackles for loss. He also tops the Cowboys with five sacks. Coach Brian Schottenheimer noted Williams' influence in the locker room, saying, "When he talks, everybody kind of stops and listens." Dallas maintains a 43% chance to make the playoffs, according to ESPN Analytics.

The Jets received first-round picks in 2026 and 2027, wide receiver Adonai Mitchell, a 2026 second-round pick, a 2027 first-round pick, and the rights to the better of two 2027 first-round picks from Dallas from the two deals. They became the first team in the common-draft era to make multiple in-season trades to acquire first-round picks. The transactions have yielded three current roster players: Mitchell, tight end Kenyon Sadiq, and nickelback D'Angelo Ponds. Mitchell recorded 142 receiving yards in his most recent game, while cornerback Azareye'h Thomas, a 2025 third-round pick, took over the starting job left by Gardner.

Head coach Aaron Glenn, who is 4-13 and fighting for his job, described Gardner and Williams as "great players and quality people" when asked about the trades. The Jets are carrying nearly $21 million in 2026 cap hits from the deals. Their current defensive tackles have produced only three sacks, with none ranking in the top 40 in pass rush win rate. Draft analyst Jordan Reid identifies Oklahoma State's Drew Mestemaker, Notre Dame's CJ Carr, and Miami's Darian Mensah as potential first-round targets. An AFC personnel scout called the Gardner trade "one of the best of all time" for the Jets due to the compensation.

The Colts' 2027 first-round pick could climb into the top three or four spots, depending on final standings. ESPN Analytics projects the Jets will hold the fifth, sixth, and 14th selections. The team is expected to use its capital to address a quarterback need, as 36-year-old Geno Smith is considered a bridge. A former NFC general manager observed, "In hindsight, it worked out pretty well. They can get well soon if they find a quarterback."