FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- One year after rocking the NFL with the Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams blockbusters at the trade deadline, the New York Jets made no splashy deals despite obvious roster needs and a handful of players that would’ve fetched nice returns.
Ahead of Tuesday’s deadline, general manager Darren Mougey was quiet -- well, except for a minor trade involving backup safety Andre Cisco, who was sent to the Detroit Lions for a 2029 sixth-round pick.
The Jets were only interested in trading players on expiring contracts (like Cisco), preferring to keep their 2027 roster intact. While some might argue that a team with 21 losses in its last 26 games should’ve reached for the sun and moon to improve its future, the Jets sent three messages by standing (almost) pat:
Plus, let’s be honest, there also was a subliminal message: With Glenn on the hot seat, they wanted to wait until the coaching dust settles in the offseason before selling off players that might intrigue a new coaching staff.
Explaining their approach to the deadline, Glenn said Wednesday, “[Our] philosophy hasn’t changed from last year.”
He said they will always listen to inquiries, but “we won’t force any issues, and we’ll make sure we do what’s best for the organization.”
Glenn likes the current roster, claiming, “We’re right on the cusp of trying to break through.”
He noted that the Jets have lost five one-score games against a tough schedule. In fact, they’re 1-5 in one-score games, 4-10 in two seasons under Glenn. Based on their opponents’ records, the Jets’ strength of schedule ranks 23rd, per ESPN Analytics.
Some might argue, “So close, yet so far.”
A look at why the Jets retained certain players and what it means for their future:
Quarterback Geno Smith: Smith fit the expiring-contract criterion, but they never entertained the idea of moving him despite pre-deadline buzz with the Minnesota Vikings. The Jets don’t have an experienced backup, so trading Smith would’ve been tantamount to surrendering the season and ending Glenn. The No. 2 is rookie Cade Klubnik, a fourth-round pick who has yet to take a snap.
At 2-7, the season is basically lost, but a downgrade at quarterback would’ve hampered their ability to develop young players such as wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. and tight ends Mason Taylor and Kenyon Sadiq. At this point, player development is paramount. Smith, ranked 19th in QBR, can keep the offense operating at a functional level.
Smith, who said he paid no attention to the speculation, also could fit into their 2027 plan as a stopgap starter/mentor for a highly-drafted rookie.
Wide receiver Garrett Wilson: A trade never was a realistic possibility even though the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers were interested. Wilson didn’t want to leave, and the Jets didn’t want to deal arguably their best player. Under contract through 2030, he’s viewed as a foundational piece.
This storyline could be re-visited in the offseason, depending on how Wilson feels about the direction of the team. As he said recently, “I want to win games and that’s the one thing we’ve been missing here. I love it here. Do I love it more than I love winning? Nah, to be completely honest, but I’m hopeful.”
Running back Breece Hall: Braelon Allen’s emergence fueled trade speculation, but the Jets made it clear they didn’t want to part with Hall, who’s under contract through 2028 after signing a three-year, $43.5 million extension in May. Allen still is on his rookie deal, allowing the Jets to keep the Hall-Allen tandem together for at least one more season.
Edge rusher Will McDonald IV: Their decision to retain McDonald, who requested a trade, raised a few eyebrows around the league.
The Jets received a “significant” offer recently from the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sports Illustrated reported. One AFC personnel director told ESPN that McDonald would’ve been worth a second-round pick, speculating the Jets probably wanted a first-round pick.
He’s only a part-time player, averaging only 27 snaps per game over the last five, which makes the non-trade a bit curious. Glenn, who had a one-hour conversation with McDonald last Saturday, said the former first-rounder pick is a “huge part of what we’re doing” and has earned more playing time.
“His pass rush, I think we all know, is second to none,” Glenn said.
McDonald said he has “no hard feelings” toward the coaching staff, that he simply wants to be on the field. His cap charge next year is $14.4 million. Will that prompt them to re-think their position and trade him in the offseason? Stay tuned.
Cornerback Nahshon Wright: It’s a surprise that he’s still around. With no role on defense, Wright told ESPN recently that he was open to a trade, a sentiment he shared with team officials. He didn’t get his wish, so now he will play out (or ride the bench) the final eight games of his contract before becoming a free agent again.
It seems odd that the Jets, who have intercepted only one pass in the last 26 games, can’t find a niche for a player who made five interceptions last season.
Nickel back Jarvis Brownlee Jr.: He appears to have lost his job to rookie D’Angelo Ponds, the starting nickel back last week in Kansas City. That made Brownlee expendable, so why is he still a Jet? He’s signed through 2027 for a minimum salary ($1.2 million). Mougey has a personal investment in Brownlee, having traded for him last year.