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Rich Cimini
Florham Park, NJ — New York Jets General manager Darren Maugi apologized to reporters for choking on Tuesday, saying it happened because he talked too much. And behavior.
In a historic day for the franchise, Maugi trades defensive cornerstones Sauce Gardner And quinnan williams In different blockbusters, the focus has essentially shifted to 2026 and beyond.
“I wouldn’t call it sabotage,” Maugy said about two hours after the NFL trade deadline.
The Jets are 1-7 and looking at their 15th consecutive non-playoff season, the league’s longest active drought. Maugi said in his first season that he was not leaving 2025.
“The goal is always to win,” he said. “Look, these coaches and players work very hard, all day, every 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.”
Still, the trades were amazing.
Jets trade Gardner indianapolis colts Two first-round picks (2026 and 2027) and a wide receiver adonai michelthey disposed of williams dallas cowboys For a 2026 second-round pick, a 2027 first-round pick and a defensive tackle Mazie SmithAccording to ESPN Research, the Jets became the first team in the common-draft era (since 1967) to make multiple in-season trades to acquire a first-round pick.
The Gardner deal was particularly surprising, considering he signed a four-year, $120 million extension in July. what changed?
Maugi said, “Indianapolis was becoming more and more prosperous with its value, and it was ultimately too good to pass up.” He said that talks have increased in the last few days.
Sources said the Jets were not actively looking to trade Gardner. They structured his contract in a way that made him tradable: a manageable amount of money up front with rolling guarantees. wide receiver Garrett WilsonThe four-year, $130 million extension – also signed in July – was structured in a similar manner.
“You never know what the future is going to be like, and we always wanted to be in a position to potentially trade these contracts… [in] If you get to a position where the value you think is too good to pass up,” Maugi said. “And the same thing happened here.”
The Williams deal was completed quicker than the Gardner deal. Sources said Williams, a three-time Pro Bowl tackle, was dissatisfied with the direction of the franchise. Maugi declined to say whether Williams had requested a trade, saying, “I’m not here to talk about rumors and different things.”
Maugi said that Williams’ contract was not a factor in the decision. Williams is signed through 2027, although he has $5 million remaining guaranteed and there was speculation he was going to ask for a new deal.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said in a September radio interview that he offered the pass rusher Micah Parsons to the Jets in a deal that also included Williams.
“I’ll keep all the conversations I had with other teams private, but it came together and it was good value for us,” Maugi said.
In a one-week period, the Jets traded three defensive veterans – Gardner, Williams and nickel back Michael Carter IIAll 28 or younger. Gardner and Williams have combined to make five Pro Bowls and three All-Pro selections.
The good thing is that the Jets have two first-round picks in 2026 and three in 2027. Maugi says he’s “excited” about that flexibility.
Jets hold trade talks including running back Breece Hall and edge runner Jermaine JohnsonBut decided to keep him, sources said.
Hall will be a free agent after the season. Maugi declined to say whether the Jets wanted to sign him.
“Through these processes, we talk about a lot of things and we make a lot of calls and we get value, and Brees is a talented player,” Maugy said. “He will help us compete and win games the rest of the season.”
