UPDATE: The Jets fire sale continued Tuesday afternoon with the trade of Quinnen Williams to the Cowboys, reportedly getting a 2026 second-round pick, and 2027 first-round pick, and Mazi Smith in return from Dallas. Smith, a defensive tackle and former first-round pick, started all 17 games last year, but has been kept mainly on the sidelines this season and was a healthy scratch against the Cardinals on Monday night as trade rumors swirled.
The Jets have swung a blockbuster trade with the Colts, shipping Sauce Gardner to Indianapolis in a stunning move.
According to multiple reports, the All-Pro corner has been dealt for a pair of first-round picks - one in 2026 and one in 2027 - as well as wide receiver AD Mitchell, as Gang Green parts with a former top-five pick and Defensive Rookie of the Year.
“New York it’s been real,” Gardner posted on X shortly after news of the trade broke, adding a green heart emoji at the end of his farewell message.
Gardner was initially seen as a cornerstone for the Jets future, emerging as the team’s bright young defensive star opposite Garrett Wilson, the Offensive Rookie of the Year the same season that Gardner won his award. But after opening his NFL career with two All-Pro seasons, Gardner hasn’t been as impactful, logging just nine passes defended in 2024 after leading the league with 20 in 2022.
Still, the Jets signed and Darren Mougey, in one of his first big moves as general manager, signed Gardner to a four-year, $120.4 million contract extension prior to the start of the season. But after a dreadful 1-7 start, it became clear to leadership that more assets were needed to build for the future, and the Jets now have two more first-round picks in the coming years to try and accelerate their rebuild.
As for the other piece of the trade, Mitchell has made one start this season and appeared in eight games, logging 152 receiving yards and no touchdowns. He made seven starts as a rookie in 2024, appearing in all 17 games.