ClutchPoints
The New York Jets shocked the NFL by going on a fire sale at the trade deadline on Tuesday. While the Jets were expected to be sellers at the deadline, nobody expected them to trade away two of their best players. New York started the fireworks by trading Sauce Gardner to Indianapolis for two first-round picks and Adonai Mitchell.
Next it was Quinnen Williams, who landed with the Cowboys in exchange for multiple picks and DT Mazi Smith.
The Jets are 1-7 on the season and QB Justin Fields has not impressed as a starter. So it makes sense that New York would look to add future draft capital.
Perhaps head coach Aaron Glenn found it hard to evaluate New York’s superstar players because of the disastrous surroundings. Or perhaps New York’s front office views very few players as untouchable.
Whatever the reason, the Jets went all in on the idea of rebuilding the roster for the future. Personally, I’m a big fan of that approach.
Below we will explore why the Jets’ surprising fire sale at the trade deadline was a rousing success.
The name of the game with the Sauce trade is value.
I won’t lie and say that Sauce is more name than game because that simply isn’t true. Gardner is still one of the best young cornerbacks in the NFL. He is capable of shadowing top wide receivers and erasing them from the game.
So while I understand why Jets fans are bummed to lose him, I can understand New York’s rationale. In my view, it is perfectly reasonable to trade Sauce away for such a massive return.
The Jets netted two first-round picks from the Colts (2026 and 2027) and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell for Gardner.
I think this deal looks even better after Gardner’s production dipped over the last two seasons. Gardner started his career with 32 passes defensed and two interceptions from 2022-23. However, that fell to just 15 passes defensed and one interception from 2024 to now.
He may still be an elite player, but now is certainly the time to sell Gardner if you’re the Jets.
Plus New York can still rely on Azareye’h Thomas, Jarvis Brownlee Jr., Brandon Stephens, and Qwan’tez Stiggers at cornerback.
It’s not the same as having Sauce, but it is a serviceable unit.
It may not be the Sauce return, but the Jets also got a great return for Quinnen.
New York received DT Mazi Smith, a 2026 second-round pick, and the better of Dallas’ two 2027 first-round picks in exchange for Williams.
To start, I think getting Smith in return is great because it replaces Williams spot on the roster. But more importantly, getting their choice of Dallas’ 2027 first-round picks is a huge part of this trade.
If either the Cowboys or Packers struggle next...
