Braelon Allen stunned as Jets trade Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner

The New York Jets traded two of their best players ahead of the trade deadline. Parting ways with Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams is considered by many as two of the most unexpected moves on Tuesday.

The team dealt Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for two first-round picks and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell. They didn't stop there as they shipped Williams to the Dallas Cowboys for Mazi Smith, a 2026 second-round selection and a 2027 first-round pick.

Some New York players reacted to the deals on social media after the news broke. Second-year running back Braelon Allen expressed his disbelief on X with the GIF of former WWE executive Vince McMahon.

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Edge rusher Jermaine Johnson II, who was part of trade rumors, posted the GIF of comedian Jon Stewart eating popcorn.

Like many Jets fans, Allen and Johnson were shocked by the trades as Gardner and Williams have been key pieces of the team.

Why did the New York Jets trade Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner?

The New York Jets received three first-round picks, a second-round pick, Mazi Smith and Adonai Mitchell in exchange for Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner.

Even though Gardner and Williams were two of the team's mainstays on defense, it's understandable why New York (1-7) cut ties with them.

Gardner is one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, but the team is likely looking to rebuild. The chances of landing a franchise quarterback received a boost with the draft asset it acquired from the Colts. Mitchell is also a solid reward for a Jets offense that was in need of wide receivers.

New York can start strategizing for a new path based on draft capital.

Jets general Darren Mougey and coach Aaron Glenn will reportedly concentrate on assembling the team for the immediate future. They'll have a good starting point with players they'll choose in the 2026 draft.

Edited by Victor Ramon Galvez