The Indianapolis Colts and Dallas Cowboys made significant moves in the NFL trade market, acquiring top defensive talent Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams in separate blockbuster deals. The New York Jets, aiming to revamp their team, traded Gardner to the Colts for two first-round draft picks and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell. Additionally, the Jets received the Colts’ first-round selections in 2026 and 2027.
Meanwhile, Williams is set to join the Cowboys after they traded a second-round pick in 2026, a first-round pick in 2027, and defensive tackle Mazi Smith to the Jets. The Jets will also receive the better of the Cowboys’ two first-round picks in 2027. These moves come as the Cowboys seek to strengthen their defense, which ranks among the worst in the league.
In other trade news on the busy deadline day, the Cowboys acquired linebacker Logan Wilson from the Cincinnati Bengals, while wide receiver Jakobi Meyers moved to the Jacksonville Jaguars from the Las Vegas Raiders. The Seattle Seahawks also added wide receiver Rashid Shaheed from the New Orleans Saints.
Gardner, a standout cornerback, had signed a lucrative contract extension with the Jets earlier this year but now joins the AFC South-leading Colts. Williams, a highly regarded defensive player, brings his skills to the Cowboys as they aim to improve their defensive lineup.
The reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles have also been active in trade discussions, acquiring edge rusher Jaelan Phillips and cornerbacks Michael Carter II and Jaire Alexander to bolster their defense. The Baltimore Ravens added edge rusher Dre’Mont Jones from the Tennessee Titans, enhancing their defensive capabilities.
Several other trades took place in recent weeks, including the Bengals acquiring Joe Flacco, the Rams adding cornerback Roger McCreary, and the 49ers acquiring defensive end Keion White. The Steelers traded for safety Kyle Dugger, while the Jaguars and Browns exchanged cornerbacks Greg Newsome II and Tyson Campbell. The Chargers also made a move, acquiring edge rusher Odafe Oweh in a deal with the Ravens.