3 and Out with John Middlekauff TRADE DEADLINE: Jets trade Gardner to Colts, Williams to Cowboys
Nov 5, 2025
A whirlwind of NFL trade action kicks off with the Jets trading standout defensive stars Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams, igniting a major rebuild. The Colts' investment in Gardner raises eyebrows for its potential risk, while the Cowboys' acquisition of Williams aligns perfectly with their defensive strategy. Other teams like the Seahawks also make headlines with smart moves. John Middlekauff breaks down everything from trade mechanics to coaching implications, and even reflects on the evolving nature of midseason trades in the NFL.
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Jets Chose A Full Rebuild
- The Jets chose to 'nuke' the roster because keeping high-value players while losing consistently wastes assets.
- John Middlekauff warns fans this rebuild will make the team worse short-term and risks long-term fan apathy.
Accept A More Active Trade Market
- Embrace more aggressive in-season trading because modern GMs and owners are willing to act and schemes converge.
- Increased trade activity improves entertainment value and roster flexibility across the league.
Coaches Pay The Price During Rebuilds
- Middlekauff cautions that coaches bear the brunt of rebuild pain and may not get long leashes despite front office support.
- He emphasizes the risk of fan apathy during prolonged losing stretches following a reset.