Where shocking trade-deadline fire sale leaves Jets

In addition to getting Gardner’s money off the books, the Jets will also get two first-round picks from the Indianapolis Colts. The value of these picks will largely depend on the Colts' record over the next two seasons, but even if they stay at the top of the AFC, those picks give the Jets two strong opportunities to add impact players. Completing the deal is wide receiver Adonai Mitchell, who couldn't find a spot in a crowded Colts receiving corps but is just 18 months removed from being the 52nd overall pick in the draft. 

Although the Jets only received one first-round pick in the Williams trade, it might be the most valuable asset they obtained all day. That 2027 selection will be the higher of the two picks the Dallas Cowboys hold — one from their own draft and the other from the Green Bay Packers in the Micah Parsons trade. Considering the Cowboys' volatile organization and their struggling defense, it’s quite possible that the pick lands in the top 10. Add in a second-round pick in 2026, former first-round defensive tackle Mazi Smith and the opportunity to remove Williams’ four-year, $96 million contract from the books, and this deal looks like another long-term win for the Jets. 

Of course, all of this only means so much if Glenn can’t get the most out of his players, and the Jets aren’t any closer to finding a franchise quarterback for the first time this century. Still, new general manager Darren Mougey now has an opportunity to remake the roster in his image. With eight first- and second-round picks combined in the next two drafts, the Jets can rebuild quickly if they hit on even half of these selections.