The NFL trade deadline officially ticked to a close on November 4th to varied reactions and effects. Some teams have set for the rebuild, while others are looking to lock in a championship run. Here are the biggest moves and everything you need to know about the trade deadline.
Quinnen Williams, New York Jets -> Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys were an active participant in the trade deadline this year, signing Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson for a 7th round pick, and, more notably, Quinnen Williams from the Jets. The trade for Willaims includes Defensive Tackle Mazi Smith, a 2026 2nd round pick, and a 2027 1st round pick. While they lost one of the 1st round picks from the Micah Parsons trade, they finally accomplished what Jerry Jones said they needed: to “Stop the run.” In his career thus far, Williams has 40 sacks, 8 forced fumbles, and 1 interception. At the moment, he has 1 first team all-pro selection, and 3 pro bowl selections. Quinnen this season had been a bright spot on an otherwise bad season for the Jets, with 7 tackles for loss and a sack before his trade.
Rashid Shaheed, New Orleans Saints -> Seattle Seahawks
Shaheed was the least talked about potential WR trade from the Saints. Most people expected star receiver Chris Olave to go for several draft picks to a team in need of a receiver, like Buffalo or Pittsburgh. Instead, Shaheed was traded to the Seahawks for a 4th round pick, and a 5th round pick in this coming draft. Rashid is currently 27 years old, and has 44 catches, a little less than 500 yards, and 2 touchdowns. He is a deep threat wide receiver, and his arrival in Seattle gives Sam Darnold another weapon to throw to. While Seattle already has star wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Shaheed’s arrival will allow Sam Darnold to spread the ball around the field and take some of the pressure off of JSN’s back.
Jakobi Meyers, Las Vegas Raiders -> Jacksonville Jaguars
Since the raiders really began to struggle, Jakobi Meyers has remained a high interest trade target from several teams. Similarly to Shaheed, most people expected a team in need of a pass catcher to trade for him. But with Travis Hunter on injured reserve and Brian Thomas Junior under performing, Jacksonville felt it necessary to reach out to Las Vegas and acquire Meyers. The trade package includes a 4th and 6th round pick in the 2026 draft to Vegas in exchange for Meyers to Jacksonville. The 28 year old veteran has been the lead receiver in Las Vegas this season since the departure of Davante Adams at last season’s trade deadline. He provides a safe, consistent pass catcher for Trevor Lawrence to rely on while Travis Hunter heals, and Brian Thomas Junior finds his rhythm
Sauce Gardner, New York Jets -> Indianapolis Colts
The biggest headline grabbing trade from the deadline for most is the trade of former defensive rookie of the year Sauce Gardner, to the colts in exchange for a 1st round pick in 2026 and 2027, along with WR Adonai Mitchell. Gardener has had an up and down career with the Jets- since being drafted 2022, Gardner has had 201 total tackles, 47 pass deflections, and 3 interceptions. Although in recent years, he has struggled with staying healthy and has started to allow more yards per game than usual, with his current average being 25.7 yards, when in his rookie year it was 21.2 yards per game. Despite this, Gardner is still a massive improvement in the secondary for the Colts, and another invaluable piece in their team which right now, seems very well poised for a super bowl run.
In conclusion, the deadline had a solidly even mix of offensive and defensive players traded. No team made out quite like the Jets, who now hold five 1st round draft picks over the next 2 years. Hopefully they can nail these picks and rebuild the team successfully. As for the Colts, with Sauce Gardner, fans are hopeful that they can really make a long run in the playoffs. The Cowboys have had the weakest defense in the league thus far, so maybe Quinnen Williams allows them to bottle up some of the yards they’ve been allowing. Finally, Rashid Shaheed can hopefully start thinking about winning a ring, without his arrival slowing down the historic season Jaxon Smith-Njigba is having.
