After a shocking series of events for the New York Jets during the 2025 NFL Trade Deadline, the struggling franchise became the focal point of the highly anticipated day.

Within a short span of time, fans saw general manager Darren Mougey move on from cornerback Sauce Gardner and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. Both defenders were easily the team’s best playmakers and were considered cornerstones of the Jets' 2025 roster.

However, due to New York’s 1-7 this year, it was clear that Mougey and the rest of the front office were ready to hit the reset button.

Luckily for the fanbase, the massive trades from Tuesday put the Jets in a better position moving forward, with the multiple first-round picks being acquired in the process. Here is a breakdown of each trade, as well as the reported compensation.

Sauce Gardner

Jets receive: 2026 first-round pick, 2027 first-round pick, WR AD Mitchell
Colts receive: CB Sauce Gardner

Prior to Tuesday, the rumors surrounding the Jets potentially parting ways with Gardner were not even in the realm of possibilities. Since being selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Gardner has been one of the best defensive backs in the league, and the organization felt the same way after signing him to a four-year, $120 million deal this offseason.

While many believed a team would not give up a haul for the talented cornerback, the Indianapolis Colts made a deal that Mougey could not refuse, sending both their 2026 and 2027 first-round picks in the deal.

Having two first-round picks for the upcoming draft will allow the franchise to acquire multiple high-end prospects or even set the Jets up for another big trade this offseason.

In addition to the two picks, New York also landed former 2024 second-round wide receiver AD Mitchell in the deal. The 23-year-old pass catcher was buried inside a crowded wide receiver corps in Indianapolis, which now gives him the opportunity to become the Jets’ No. 2 receiver behind star Garrett Wilson.

Quinnen Williams

Jets receive: 2026 second-round pick, 2027 first-round pick*, DT Mazi Smith
Cowboys receive: Quinnen Williams

*First-round pick has yet to be moved to New York, with the Jets receiving the Cowboys’ higher pick

Fans were barely able to wrap their minds around the trading of Gardner moments before Moguey made his second move of the day, trading Williams to the Dallas Cowboys.

The second move by the Jets saw the team land their third first-round pick of the day, along with Dallas’ second-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Throughout his time in New York, Williams has quickly developed into one of the best interior defenders in the NFL, racking up 322 tackles and 40 sacks in his seven years with the Jets. His incredible play on his rookie contract paved the way to the front office signing him to a four-year, $96 million contract extension in 2023, giving the Cowboys an additional season of Williams up front.

Similar to the Gardner trade, the Jets also managed to acquire former 2023 first-round pick Mazi Smith from the deal. Smith has yet to live up to the first-round hype through his first two seasons in the NFL, but the 24-year-old defensive tackle still has plenty of time to potentially develop into a key piece for the Jets in the near future.