Jets’ GM Darren Mougey stated that trading Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams does not indicate a ‘teardown’
The NFL trade deadline for 2025 occurred on Tuesday, October 4, at 4:00 p.m. EST. Unexpectedly, the New York Jets emerged as sellers. The organization decided to move on from two pivotal players on their defensive lineup.
Sauce Gardner was traded to the Indianapolis Colts for two first-round selections. Furthermore, Quinnen Williams was sent to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a first and a second-round pick. This shocking decision came from first-year general manager Darren Mougey. In a media interaction on Tuesday, Mougey clarified that the trade of Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams should not be interpreted as a “teardown” for New York.
The Jets moved on from two key players at the 2025 trade deadline
Jets GM Darren Mougey mentioned that the trades involving Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams are not a “teardown.”
Story via @RichCimini: https://t.co/QV1wDYE5pV
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 5, 2025
On July 22, 2025, the New York Jets secured CB Sauce Gardner with a four-year contract valued at $120.4 million. He was expected to remain with the Jets until the conclusion of the 2030 season. However, when presented with an irresistible trade offer, New York decided to trade Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts on Tuesday, October 4. In exchange, the Jets acquired the Colts’ first-round picks for 2026 and 2027, along with WR Adoni Mitchell.
This was not the only significant transaction New York executed before Tuesday’s deadline. General manager Darren Mougey also moved defensive lineman Quinnen Williams to the Dallas Cowboys. Williams had been the third overall selection by New York in the 2019 NFL draft, coming from Alabama. In the deal with Dallas, the Jets received a second-round pick in 2026 and a first-round selection in 2027 from the Cowboys. The 2027 pick will be the most advantageous of Dallas’ two first-round selections that year.
Jets future draft picks following today’s trades:
20261st-round pick (NYJ)1st-round pick (IND)2nd-round pick (NYJ)2nd-round pick (DAL)
20271st-round pick (NYJ)1st-round pick (DAL)1st-round pick (IND) https://t.co/rea59x9G9h
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 4, 2025
During a media session on Tuesday, Jets GM Darren Mougey faced numerous inquiries. With the recent moves, it is clear the Jets are strategizing for the 2026 season and beyond. Nonetheless, Mougey emphasized that the team has not abandoned its efforts for 2025. Additionally, Darren Mougey reiterated that Tuesday’s trades conducted by the Jets do not signify a “teardown” for the franchise.
New York is the first organization since 1967 to execute multiple in-season trades to obtain a first-round selection. Presently, the Jets find themselves at a critical juncture in their franchise history. They have parted with two defensive stalwarts and continue to look for a franchise QB. The team now possesses substantial first-round draft assets to help secure their future quarterback.
Published: 2025-11-05 15:36:00
source: sportslens.org
