Imagine your favorite NFL team just made a shocking trade that could completely change their season. Now, multiply that by several teams, all scrambling to make deals before the clock runs out! The NFL trade deadline is always a wild ride, and this year is proving to be no exception. Teams have until 7am AEDT to either bolster their rosters for a playoff push or strategically shed talent to improve their draft position – a practice some fans affectionately (or not so affectionately) call 'tanking.'
Let's dive into the biggest moves that have already shaken up the league. Buckle up, because this is going to be a whirlwind!
'THIS IS REAL': Colts Land Superstar Cornerback in Blockbuster Trade
Week 10 has already delivered a trade so monumental, it's hard to believe it actually happened. The Indianapolis Colts, currently sitting at an impressive 7-2 and exceeding all expectations, just pulled off a stunning deal with the New York Jets. The Colts acquired two-time All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner in exchange for two valuable first-round draft picks and promising wide receiver AD Mitchell. Think about that: a potential Super Bowl contender just snagged one of the league's premier defensive players.
But here's where it gets controversial... Just four months ago, the Jets handed Gardner a massive four-year, $120.4 million (approximately $A185 million) contract extension, alongside receiver Garrett Wilson. The clear message was that these two were the cornerstones of the team's future under their first-year head coach, Aaron Glenn. Now, Gardner is heading to Indianapolis, leaving many Jets fans feeling betrayed and questioning the team's long-term strategy. Was this a panic move? A sign of internal conflict? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
"New York it’s been real,” Gardner posted on X (formerly Twitter) shortly after the trade broke, a bittersweet farewell to a city that had quickly embraced him. Gardner, drafted fourth overall by the Jets in 2022, immediately made his presence felt, earning Defensive Rookie of the Year honors and First-Team All-Pro selections in both 2022 and 2023. While some argue his performance dipped slightly in 2024, it's important to remember that the entire Jets defense struggled this year, largely due to the offense's inability to sustain drives and take pressure off the defense.
For the Colts, this trade addresses a major need. While their offense has been surprisingly potent, their secondary has been a consistent source of concern. Gardner's arrival instantly elevates the Colts' pass coverage, adding a true “lockdown” corner who has consistently limited opposing receivers to minimal production. In fact, he hasn't allowed any single receiver to catch more than two passes in a single game this entire season!
On the other side of the deal, AD Mitchell gets a fresh start in New York. Mitchell, drafted in the second round of the 2024 draft, has been somewhat of a disappointment in Indianapolis. While he possesses undeniable talent and the ability to create separation, particularly on deep routes, inconsistent play and mental errors have hindered his development. The Colts already boast a strong receiving corps consisting of Michael Pittman, Josh Downs, and Alec Pierce, along with the emergence of rookie tight end Tyler Warren. Mitchell now has the opportunity to revive his career in a Jets receiving room that desperately needs a reliable target besides Garrett Wilson.
'WILD DAY' CONTINUES: Jets Execute Second Blockbuster Trade!
Just when you thought the Jets couldn't possibly make another shocking move, they did! In a second blockbuster trade before the deadline, they sent three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Quinnen Williams to the Dallas Cowboys. The Jets reportedly receive a first-round pick, a second-round pick, and defensive tackle Mazi Smith in return.
This trade comes after Cowboys owner Jerry Jones hinted on Tuesday that the Cowboys had a deal in the works to address some of their team's shortcomings. While their earlier acquisition of veteran linebacker Logan Wilson seemed underwhelming, Jones ultimately delivered on his promise. Williams will add a much-needed physical presence to the Cowboys' defensive line, which has struggled throughout the season, particularly in their recent loss to the Cardinals. However, this move doesn't address their issues in the secondary.
Raiders Receiver Gets His Wish After Trade Request
Jakobi Meyers, after publicly requesting a trade during the offseason, finally got his wish. The Las Vegas Raiders traded their top receiver to the Jacksonville Jaguars for a fourth- and sixth-round pick. Given that Meyers will be a free agent after the season, any team trading for him understood it might only be a short-term rental. This makes sense for a Jaguars team currently missing star Travis Hunter (knee) and potentially without second-year receiver Brian Thomas, who suffered an ankle sprain. Meyers should provide a reliable option in the middle of the field, an area where Thomas has struggled.
For the Raiders, who sit at the bottom of the AFC West with a 2-6 record, moving Meyers makes sense, even though they could have potentially received a compensatory pick if he left in free agency. Expect the Raiders to now utilize more two-tight end sets, featuring Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer, while also giving rookies Jack Bech, Dont’e Thornton, and Tre Tucker more opportunities.
Seahawks Add Speedster to Potent Offense
The Seattle Seahawks, already boasting one of the most explosive offenses in the league, just added another weapon for quarterback Sam Darnold. Seattle traded 2026 fourth- and fifth-round picks to acquire speedy receiver Rashid Shaheed from the New Orleans Saints. This move reunites Shaheed with Klint Kubiak, who was his offensive coordinator in New Orleans last season. Shaheed is a perfect fit for the Seattle offense and will likely be targeted on plenty of deep passes from Darnold. He'll immediately slot in as the third option in the passing game, and potentially the second if Cooper Kupp's hamstring injury is serious. This Seahawks offense just got even more dangerous!
For the Saints, trading Shaheed, who was a free agent at the end of the year, makes sense given their struggles. Chris Olave has also been mentioned as a potential trade candidate, although it seems more likely he will be signed to an extension to be the top receiver for a rookie quarterback the Saints may draft next year.
So, what do you think of these trades? Which team made the smartest move? And which team might regret their decisions later? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
