The 2025 NFL Week 10 arrives on the heels of a wild trade deadline that left several franchises looking completely different. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano have compiled insider information from league sources about the most significant deals, particularly the New York Jets’ stunning moves involving Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams. Their reporting also covers other attention-grabbing transactions, key players who stayed put, and breaking developments as Week 10 gets underway.
Jets’ Shocking Deadline Moves Reshape Defense
New York stunned the football world by dealing away their defensive cornerstones, Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams, signaling a dramatic pivot in organizational direction. What was once regarded as an elite top-five defense now presents a far more vulnerable target for opposing offenses. The Jets received substantial compensation: a package of draft picks that includes two first-rounders and two second-rounders in 2026, along with three additional first-round selections in 2027.
League insiders indicate the Jets are stockpiling draft ammunition to address their persistent quarterback situation in one of the upcoming drafts. This massive collection of premium picks gives them the ammunition to move up aggressively when they identify their next franchise signal-caller.
The financial aspect worked in New York’s favor. Gardner’s deal was structured favorably for trades, with a relatively small signing bonus that minimized dead money concerns. Indianapolis, his new destination, actually benefits from a reduced cap hit in 2026 despite inheriting a contract that runs through 2030.
Williams, who had reportedly requested a trade, lands in Dallas where the Cowboys intend to use his versatility across multiple defensive fronts alongside their other talented linemen. The salary relief also matters for a Jets organization dealing with an underperforming unit elsewhere.
One surprise: the Jets kept running back Breece Hall despite some deadline interest, refusing to budge from their second-round asking price when no team met their valuation.
Other Significant Deals Making Headlines
Seattle’s pursuit of Saints receiver Rashid Shaheed for multiple mid-round picks caught many off guard. With Cooper Kupp’s injury concerns well-documented, the Seahawks coveted Shaheed’s game-breaking speed and dual-threat ability as both a receiver and returner to bolster their offensive arsenal.
Jacksonville’s acquisition of veteran Jakobi Meyers addressed a glaring need at receiver, where injuries and inexperience had left Trevor Lawrence with limited reliable targets. Meyers brings sure hands and consistency—qualities desperately needed by a team leading the league in dropped passes.
Baltimore made quieter but calculated moves, dealing promising pass rusher Odafe Oweh for established veterans Dre’Mont Jones and Alohi Gilman, reinforcing a defense that’s been trending upward. The Ravens maintain confidence in their ability to claim the AFC North despite their sluggish season start.
Los Angeles made a deadline-day grab for tackle Trevor Penning after losing their top two tackles to season-ending injuries. While Penning’s track record raises questions, keeping Justin Herbert upright remains paramount.
Notable Players Who Remained Despite Speculation
Dallas came close to acquiring both Williams brothers from New York but eventually redirected their attention toward linebacker Logan Wilson.
Miami rebuffed all inquiries about star receiver Jaylen Waddle, insisting on a first-round pick that no suitor was prepared to surrender, especially amid organizational turbulence following GM Chris Grier’s dismissal.
Cincinnati retained edge rusher Trey Hendrickson despite some market interest, with their second-round asking price proving too rich for interested parties like Dallas. The running back market remained virtually frozen; no significant backs changed hands at the deadline.
New York explored moving former first-rounder Evan Neal but couldn’t drum up sufficient interest, while opting to retain young receiver Jalin Hyatt as they focus on their rebuild during a difficult campaign.
Fresh Intelligence and League-Wide Patterns
• Indianapolis appears committed to quarterback Daniel Jones; their willingness to surrender valuable first-round capital for Gardner suggests genuine belief in Jones’ potential.
• Dallas plans to rotate their three interior defensive tackles—Williams, Odighizuwa, and Kenny Clark—across various fronts to maximize their pass-rushing effectiveness.
• A growing trend sees teams trading recently extended players, as demonstrated by Gardner’s move just months after his extension. Organizations are balancing cap flexibility with roster construction amid rising salary limits.
• Arizona continues starting Jacoby Brissett over Kyler Murray due to injury concerns and superior offensive production, casting doubt on Murray’s future despite his guaranteed money.
• Fantasy implications: Chicago expects running back D’Andre Swift’s return soon, while New England awaits Rhamondre Stevenson’s recovery from a toe injury after declining to add backfield help at the deadline.
• Washington’s Jayden Daniels faces an unclear timeline for his elbow injury recovery; the organization must decide on potential injured reserve placement during their disappointing 3-6 start.
Looking Ahead to Week 10 Action
The Jets maintain quiet confidence about the late-round picks they secured alongside their marquee trades, hoping these young players can contribute on cost-effective rookie contracts. Dallas expects their recent defensive additions to provide immediate impact as injured players work their way back.
Teams like Miami and Buffalo made minimal moves, leaving questions about their strategic direction moving forward.
With roster construction complete and the deadline in the rearview mirror, attention shifts to which franchises can best leverage their newly assembled talent during the crucial final stretch of the 2025 NFL season.
