The Jets Embrace the Tank
It’s uncommon for a franchise to acknowledge its shortcomings openly, but the Jets have done just that. Instead of minor adjustments, they radically restructured their team by trading cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Colts and defensive lineman Quinnen Williams to the Cowboys.
Trading two All-Pros at the deadline is unprecedented. No team has so openly committed to a rebuilding strategy mid-season like the Jets. With a clear acknowledgment of their inadequacies, they aimed to gather future draft picks, generating substantial capital for the 2026 and 2027 drafts, particularly the latter known for its stronger prospects.
The rationale behind this is understandable. Despite Gardner’s defensive strengths and Williams’ prowess in pressuring quarterbacks, the Jets had struggled with a dismal 1–7 record this season. While their defense faced its own issues under new coaching, trading away these stars yielded three future first-round picks and one second-round pick, positioning the Jets favorably for future drafts.
Although giving up all-pro talent can appear reckless, the Jets’ situation differs. They are not on the brink of contention and after a failed quick-fix with Aaron Rodgers, are taking a longer, more strategic approach for the future. If achieving playoff status takes two more years, acquiring three first-round picks for players nearing 30 makes sense. The challenge remains whether this informed strategy is sustainable under owner Woody Johnson, whose track record is under scrutiny.
Typically, teams shy away from forfeiting seasons, and the Jets have not made playoffs since 2010, marking the NFL’s longest drought. The NFL’s history of tanking is fraught with failure, unlike the NBA, where a single player can transform a team’s fortune. The Jets, however, deserve merit for maximizing value from their trades while resetting their roadmap. They might lack star power for the rest of the season but are gearing up to build a strong foundation over the next couple of years.
The Colts Go All-In
In contrast to the Jets’ rebuilding efforts, the Colts made substantial moves, sacrificing two first-round picks and accommodating Gardner’s hefty contract to address their pressing need at cornerback. General Manager Chris Ballard’s decision to acquire Gardner, the youngest multiple All-Pro traded midseason, indicates a bold commitment to win now.
The Colts believe they landed a superstar who could lead them to a Super Bowl this season, echoing prior successful trades by other franchises. However, Gardner’s recent performance raises questions; he’s not shown the same dominance following his phenomenal rookie year, despite being a standout in specific defensive scenarios. The Colts are banking on revitalizing Gardner’s career in a more supportive setting, but the risk of overvaluing a player perceived as a question mark looms large.
