With the 2025 NFL trade deadline fast approaching, the New York Jets are at the center of trade rumors with the conversations involving one of the team’s biggest stars.
At 1–7 and effectively out of the playoff race halfway through the season, talk of a fire sale has gained traction in New York. Under new head coach Aaron Glenn, the organization is evaluating which players align with its long-term plans and which may have been part of the previous regime’s blueprint.
While wide receiver Garrett Wilson and cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner are reportedly untouchable, recent reports suggest the Jets have at least begun listening to offers for defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, a move that would stun many around the league.
Why the Jets Might Consider Trading Quinnen Williams
On the surface, the idea of moving Williams seems unthinkable. The 27-year-old has been one of the league’s most dominant interior linemen since being drafted third overall in 2019.
A three-time Pro Bowler, Williams has consistently anchored the Jets’ defense, playing in at least 15 games in each of the past four seasons while serving as a team leader both on and off the field.
But the reality is simple: the Jets are rebuilding once again. And with a 1–7 record, no clear franchise quarterback, and a new coaching staff trying to reshape the roster in its image, almost everything is on the table.
That doesn’t necessarily mean the Jets want to trade Williams. It means they’re doing their due diligence, as any smart front office should. If a contending team comes calling with a trade package too strong to ignore, New York’s leadership could be forced to think long term.
Potential Suitors If the Jets Listen
If the Jets do entertain serious offers, several teams make sense as trade partners, especially those desperate to shore up their interior defensive line.
- Kansas City Chiefs: The defending champions rank last in the NFL in run-stop win rate (25%), allowing 4.4 yards per carry. Pairing Williams with Chris Jones could instantly fix that weakness and create the league’s most dominant defensive tackle duo.
- Chicago Bears: The Bears’ run defense currently ranks 27th, surrendering 143.3 rushing yards per game. Competing in an NFC North known for power football, a player like Williams could change their identity in the trenches.
- Jacksonville Jaguars: At 4–3, Jacksonville sits on the playoff bubble and ranks 30th in run-stop win rate (27%). Their interior line, led by DaVon Hamilton and Arik Armstead, has struggled to create consistent push or disrupt the run game. Without their first-round pick this year, the trade package might have to get creative.
Each of these teams has both the need and sufficient draft capital, outside of perhaps Jacksonville, to make a legitimate offer. For a player of Williams’ caliber, the Jets would likely command a first-round pick and additional assets, especially given his age and production.
Why the Jets Should Think Twice
While trading Williams could bring valuable draft capital, it would also strip the Jets of their defensive cornerstone and potentially harm the team’s culture.
In a locker room thin on proven leaders, dealing away one of the few homegrown stars could send the wrong message to both players and fans.
Williams remains under contract and in his physical prime. For a defense that’s still ranked in the top half of the league statistically, he represents both consistency and identity. Moving him might create another hole the Jets can’t easily fill, even with future picks.
Final Thoughts
At 1–7, the Jets’ front office has tough choices to make before the deadline. The decision on Williams will speak volumes about the team’s long-term direction under Glenn.
If the Jets truly believe they’re years away from contention, capitalizing on Williams’ value now might make sense. But if they view him as a foundational piece for the next era, someone to build around rather than move on from, then listening to offers should remain just that: listening, not acting.
For now, the Jets’ stance is cautious, but as the deadline nears, the league will be watching closely to see whether New York is truly ready to part ways with one of its brightest stars.
