Trade Deadline Buzz Surrounds Moves by the New York Jets

With the 2028 NFL trade deadline just one week away, the New York Jets have emerged as one of the league’s most talked-about teams—fueling widespread buzz about potential roster moves aimed at boosting their playoff contention. Sitting at 6-3 and tied for second place in the AFC East (just one game behind the Buffalo Bills), the Jets have a rare opportunity to capitalize on a promising season, and reports from NFL insiders suggest the front office is actively exploring trades to address two critical areas: offensive line depth and pass-rush help. From rumors of targeting veteran tackles to speculation about trading for a proven edge rusher, the Jets’ activity has dominated NFL news cycles, with fans and analysts debating which moves could push the team from “contender” to “Super Bowl threat.” Trade Deadline Buzz Surrounds Moves by the New York Jets breaks down the key rumors, the team’s strategy, and what the buzz reveals about the Jets’ ambition in 2028.

At the center of the Jets’ trade deadline buzz is their pursuit of offensive line help—a pressing need after starting left tackle Mekhi Becton suffered a knee injury in Week 8 that will keep him sidelined for 3-4 weeks. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Jets have held preliminary talks with the Arizona Cardinals about trading for veteran tackle D.J. Humphries, a 10-year NFL veteran who has started 98 games and is known for his consistency in pass protection. Humphries, who has a cap hit of $17 million this season, would provide immediate stability at left tackle, allowing backup Max Mitchell to shift to a reserve role. The Jets have also been linked to the Indianapolis Colts’ Braden Smith, another proven tackle who could be available as the Colts fall out of playoff contention (2-7). “The offensive line is non-negotiable for a team with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback,” said ESPN’s Adam Schefter. “The Jets know they can’t protect Rodgers with a banged-up line, especially down the stretch against teams like the Bills and Patriots. They’re willing to give up a mid-round draft pick to fix this.” Trade Deadline Buzz Surrounds Moves by the New York Jets frames this offensive line pursuit as the Jets’ top trade priority.

Complementing the offensive line rumors, the Jets are also generating buzz around adding a pass rusher to bolster their defensive front. Through nine games, the Jets rank 18th in the NFL in sacks (21), and while defensive end Carl Lawson has been solid (6 sacks), the team lacks a consistent second threat. Reports indicate the Jets have expressed interest in the Los Angeles Rams’ Leonard Floyd, a 31-year-old edge rusher with 8.5 sacks this season—tied for the fifth-most in the NFL. Floyd, who is in the final year of his contract, would pair with Lawson to form a formidable pass-rushing duo, addressing a weakness that has plagued the Jets against mobile quarterbacks like the Bills’ Josh Allen. The Rams, who are 3-6 and unlikely to make the playoffs, are open to trading Floyd in exchange for a 2029 second-round pick, per Schefter. The Jets have also explored a trade for the Chicago Bears’ Montez Sweat, though Chicago’s asking price (a first-round pick) is reportedly too high. “A pass rusher like Floyd could change the Jets’ defense,” said former NFL defensive coordinator Mike Smith. “He’s not just a sack artist—he can set the edge against the run, which is crucial in the AFC East. This move would make the Jets a legitimate threat in the playoffs.” Trade Deadline Buzz Surrounds Moves by the New York Jets explores how a pass-rusher addition could elevate the Jets’ defense.

For the New York Jets, the trade deadline buzz isn’t just about adding talent—it’s about seizing a rare window of opportunity with Rodgers at quarterback. At 39, Rodgers is in what many consider his final prime years, and the Jets have built a competitive roster around him (including Pro Bowl wide receiver Garrett Wilson and All-Pro safety Jamal Adams). The team hasn’t made the playoffs since 2010, and fans are eager to end that drought—making aggressive trades a popular move among the fanbase. A recent poll by the New York Post found that 78% of Jets fans support giving up a mid-round draft pick for a proven offensive lineman or pass rusher. The Jets’ front office, led by general manager Joe Douglas, has a history of being cautious in trades, but this season’s success has shifted the calculus. “Joe Douglas knows this is Rodgers’ team, and Rodgers doesn’t have time to wait for draft picks to develop,” said NFL insider Mike Garafolo. “The Jets are willing to be aggressive because they know this could be their best chance to win a Super Bowl in years.” For the New York Jets, the trade deadline represents a crossroads: play it safe and risk falling short, or swing for the fences and chase a championship. Trade Deadline Buzz Surrounds Moves by the New York Jets highlights how the team’s ambition is driving its trade talks.

Another layer of the Jets’ trade deadline buzz is the impact of potential moves on the AFC East race. The Bills (7-2) currently lead the division, but the Jets have already beaten Buffalo once this season (a 24-17 win in Week 4) and face them again in Week 14. Adding a tackle like Humphries and a pass rusher like Floyd would give the Jets a better chance to beat the Bills twice—potentially winning the division outright. The Patriots (5-4) and Dolphins (4-5) are also in the mix, but the Jets’ current roster, paired with trade additions, could separate them from the pack. “The AFC East is up for grabs, and the Jets know it,” said CBS Sports’ Bill Cowher. “A few key trades could make them the favorite. Rodgers thrives in big games, and with a stronger line and pass rush, he’ll have the tools to outduel Allen and [the Dolphins’ Tua] Tagovailoa.” For the New York Jets, the trade deadline isn’t just about improving their roster—it’s about taking control of the division and positioning themselves for a deep playoff run. The buzz around their moves has even caught the attention of rival fans, with Bills supporters expressing concern about the Jets’ potential to get stronger. Trade Deadline Buzz Surrounds Moves by the New York Jets examines how the Jets’ trade strategy is shaping the AFC East landscape.

While the trade deadline buzz is exciting for Jets fans, there’s also cautious optimism about overpaying for short-term help. Douglas has emphasized that the team won’t give up future draft capital (like a first-round pick) for rental players (those in the final year of their contracts), and there’s concern that trading away mid-round picks could hurt the Jets’ ability to rebuild if Rodgers retires soon. “The Jets have to balance winning now with building for later,” said NFL Network’s Peter Schrager. “They can’t mortgage their future for a one-year run, even with Rodgers. A second or third-round pick for Floyd or Humphries is reasonable, but anything more would be a mistake.” The Jets’ front office has also noted that they’re prepared to stand pat if trade offers don’t meet their value. “We have a good team already,” Douglas said in a recent press conference. “We’ll only make a move if it makes us better—now and in the future.” For the New York Jets, this caution reflects the lessons learned from past mistakes (like the 2019 trade for Sam Darnold, which didn’t pan out). Trade Deadline Buzz Surrounds Moves by the New York Jets concludes by noting that while the buzz is thrilling, the Jets’ success will ultimately depend on making smart, strategic moves—not just splashy ones. As the deadline approaches, all eyes will be on Douglas and the Jets to see if they can turn the buzz into action—and potentially turn a good season into a historic one.