Jets GM Darren Mougey said the trades of defensive cornerstones Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams did not represent „a teardown,“ stating instead, „The goal is always to win.“
— New York Jets general manager Darren Mougey apologized to reporters for being hoarse Tuesday, saying it was because he had done a lot of talking. And dealing.
In a watershed day for the franchise, Mougey traded defensive cornerstones Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams in separate blockbusters, essentially shifting the focus to 2026 and beyond.
„I wouldn’t call it a teardown“, Mougey said about two hours after the NFL trading deadline.
The Jets are 1-7 and looking at their 15th straight non-playoff season, the league’s longest active drought. Mougey, in his first season, said they aren’t giving up on 2025.
„The goal is always to win“, he said. „Look, these coaches and players work too hard every day, all day, with the goal of winning on Sunday. And that never changes because that’s what the fans deserve. That’s what the players deserve, that’s what the coaches deserve and that never changes.“
Nevertheless, the trades were stunning.
The Jets traded Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts for two first-round picks (2026 and 2027) and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell. They dealt Williams to the Dallas Cowboys for a 2026 second-round pick, a 2027 first-round pick and defensive tackle Mazi Smith.
