NFL Trade Deadline Review: Colts, Jets, and Cowboys Among Winners and Losers

The Indianapolis Colts made a bold move at last year’s NFL trade deadline, swapping cornerback Sauce Gardner to the New York Jets for wide receiver Adonai Mitchell, along with two future first-round draft picks. However, the deal didn't pan out as expected for the Colts, who finished the 2025 season with an 8-9 record and missed the playoffs ¹.

Meanwhile, the Jets seemed to benefit from the trade, receiving a starting-caliber wide receiver in Mitchell and gaining significant draft capital. Additionally, the Dallas Cowboys made a notable acquisition by trading for defensive tackle Quinnen Williams from the Jets, sending Mazi Smith and two future draft picks in return. Despite Williams’ strong performance in the second half of the 2025 season, the Cowboys still fell short of making the playoffs ¹.

In another significant deal, the Pittsburgh Steelers, currently boasting a 6-2 record and leading the AFC North division, are eyeing a receiver acquisition ahead of the November 10th trade deadline. Their defense has been particularly impressive, ranking third in the NFL in points allowed ².

However, the Colts faced additional challenges following their trade, as Sauce Gardner suffered a calf injury shortly after joining the team, causing him to miss most of the season. Meanwhile, quarterback Daniel Jones also sustained a season-ending Achilles injury post-trade ¹.

On the other hand, the Jets saw success with their new acquisitions, including Mitchell, who proved to be a solid addition to their roster. Furthermore, the Cowboys rewarded Quinnen Williams with a lucrative three-year, $105.9 million contract extension in August 2026, recognizing his contributions to the team ¹.

Looking ahead, the Steelers are considering multiple options to bolster their receiving corps. One proposal involves trading for Ladd McConkey from the Chargers, while another suggests acquiring Brian Thomas Jr. from the Jaguars. There are also discussions about potentially bringing in Jerry Jeudy from the Browns or Josh Downs from the Colts ².

These moves highlight the dynamic nature of the NFL, where teams continually seek to improve their rosters through strategic trades and signings.

What We Know

• The Colts traded CB Sauce Gardner to the Jets for WR Adonai Mitchell, a 2026 first-round pick, and a 2027 first-round pick. ¹
• The Colts finished the 2025 season with an 8-9 record and did not make the playoffs. ¹
• The Cowboys traded for DT Quinnen Williams from the Jets in exchange for DT Mazi Smith and two future draft picks. ¹
• The Steelers have a 6-2 record and lead the AFC North division. ²
• The Steelers aim to acquire a receiver before the NFL trade deadline on November 10th. ²
• Sauce Gardner suffered a calf injury shortly after joining the Colts, missing most of the season. ¹
• Quarterback Daniel Jones of the Colts suffered a season-ending Achilles injury after the trade. ¹
• The Jets received a starting-caliber wide receiver in Adonai Mitchell from the trade. ¹
• The Jets gained significant draft capital through the trades involving Quinnen Williams and other deals. ¹
• Quinnen Williams performed well statistically for the Cowboys in the second half of the 2025 season. ¹
• Despite Williams' strong performance, the Cowboys did not make the playoffs in 2025. ¹
• The Cowboys extended Williams with a three-year, $105.9 million contract in August 2026. ¹
• The Jaguars traded WR Jakobi Meyers to the Raiders for two future draft picks. ¹
• The Steelers' defense ranks third in the NFL in points allowed. ²
• Jaylen Warren is having a successful season for the Steelers. ²
• Roman Wilson and Michael Pittman are injured, and DK Metcalf is struggling. ²
• In one proposed trade, the Steelers would receive Ladd McConkey from the Chargers in exchange for Roman Wilson and a 2027 second-round pick. ²
• Another proposed trade involves the Steelers acquiring Brian Thomas Jr. from the Jaguars for a 2027 second-round pick and a 2027 sixth-round pick. ²
• The Steelers could trade for Jerry Jeudy from the Browns for a 2027 fourth-round pick. ²
• The Steelers might trade for Josh Downs from the Colts for a 2027 third-round pick. ²