Overview
- Indianapolis acquired Sauce Gardner for 2026 and 2027 first-round picks plus wide receiver Adonai Mitchell, a move framed as a vote of confidence in Daniel Jones and an effort to shore up a leaky pass defense.
- The Jets also sent Quinnen Williams to the Cowboys in a package that included picks and defensive tackle Mazi Smith, and multiple outlets report New York now holds five first-round selections across the 2026–27 drafts.
- Jets receiver Garrett Wilson said he was shocked by the trades but emphasized he trusts the front office’s vision and remains focused on doing his job.
- ESPN reporting detailed internal and executive concerns about Gardner’s low interception totals and rising penalties, with one NFC executive calling the Jets’ return a deal they “couldn’t pass up.”
- GM Darren Mougey asked Colts counterpart Chris Ballard to delay announcing the Gardner trade until after Nick Mangold’s funeral, and coach Aaron Glenn highlighted early optimism about integrating Mitchell and Smith.