The Jets created the biggest waves during this past week's trade deadline, dealing two of their biggest stars in cornerback Sauce Gardner and defensive lineman Quinnen Williams. Hours after the trades with the Colts and Cowboys, respectively, general manager Darren Mougey made clear he "wouldn’t call it a teardown.”
Yet the job of head coach Aaron Glenn, no doubt, became more difficult. Which raised the question: How will the status of Glenn, leader of the 1-7 Jets, be affected by the trades?
Sources paint a clear picture for Gang Green: It won’t. In other words, there are no plans for a one-and-done result. Glenn was in lock-step with Mougey on each move, with the idea that they would continue to build the roster based on their joint vision going forward.
Among other tidbits from those in the know at One Jets Drive:
- Glenn won’t be judged during the 2025 season by what the team’s record is, sources say, keeping in mind that he lost two of his best players and must lead a locker room that watched Gardner and Williams leave. With quarterback issues and a young team in transition that got even younger this week, there are many factors at play. There appears to be an understanding of where this team is, talent-wise, and how much it needs.
- Further, sources say they anticipate a far longer stay. Owner Woody Johnson recently bolstered that thought, praising Glenn and saying he believes in him: “I've known Aaron since 1996 (when) I was a fan. I've always been a fan of him. I see the way he handles the room. If I were a player, I'd respond to him because he's the real deal.”
- When the decision to trade Gardner and Williams was made, Glenn was right there with Mougey, helping inform and weigh in. That suggests they'll make decisions together going forward, including how best to use the picks acquired in the two deals. The Jets discussed a variety of options on Tuesday, holding firm on their perceived value for Gardner. When they got their two first-rounders and a deal was going to be made, it opened the door to the broader picture. As in, could we accumulate more assets?
- The Jets now have three additional first-round picks and one additional second-round pick over the next two drafts following the trades -- eight total picks in the first two rounds of the '26 and '27 drafts. That should allow them (if they choose wisely) to rebuild this team in the image of Mougey and Glenn. It’s reminiscent of Sam Presti stockpiling 17 first-rounders from 2020 to 2026 for the NBA's Oklahoma City Thunder, then using the capital to trade up, trade down and build. That is the hope for the Jets.
- Another comparison that can be made is this one: Dan Campbell, Glenn’s head coach with the Lions, went 4-19-1 in his first 24 games and began the 2021 season 0-10-1. It's safe to say, once Campbell and Co. flipped the culture, things have been much better -- and that stretch was worth it.