The success of the New England Patriots in their first year of a rebuild forced the division rival New York Jets to make major moves at the trade deadline by shipping out two of their franchise cornerstones.
As a result, the Jets traded All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner (Indianapolis Colts) and All-Pro defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (Dallas Cowboys) for a total of three first-round draft picks and one second-round pick over the next two years.
The Patriots wrote the blueprint for how to attack a rebuild while still having a successful season. At 7-2, New England has the best record in the AFC East, and they're tied for the best record in the NFL. There are several reasons for the quicker-than-expected turnaround. However, much of New England's success can be credited to selecting quarterback Drake Maye in the 2024 NFL draft with the third overall pick.
Unfortunately for the Jets, they've been unable to secure a legitimate starting quarterback in the draft since 2009, when they selected Mark Sanchez fifth overall. Say what you may about Sanchez, but he was the last quarterback to lead the Jets to the playoffs, both in 2009 and 2010.
Since then, the Jets have drafted two quarterbacks in the first round, with Sam Darnold being their choice in 2018, followed by Zach Wilson in 2021. They've also had 15 different quarterbacks take snaps for them during that time span.
For context, since Tom Brady walked away from the Patriots in 2020, New England has only had six different quarterbacks during that time. It proves that hitting on a quarterback in the draft is extremely important, which the Jets have been unable to do.
The Patriots’ Blueprint Sends Jets Into A Rebuild
With the Patriots hitting on their selection of Maye in 2024, it has allowed the front office to focus on the other components of the team. In doing so, New England was able to select a franchise left tackle third overall in the 2025 NFL draft, add a couple of veterans to the offensive arsenal, while still building a veteran-led group on defense.
For what it's worth, the Jets have collected talent in recent years, whether through the draft, free agency, or in trades, but they've been unable to capitalize on it. This includes having elite players like Aaron Rodgers, Davante Adams, Justin Fields, Le'Veon Bell, Breece Hall, and Garrett Wilson.
With the Jets trading away their best defensive players, Gardner and Williams, while retaining their best offensive players, Hall and Wilson, it could be a sign that New York's rebuild will focus on the quarterback position first and foremost.
If the Patriots are the model of a rebuild, hitting on a quarterback in the draft and building a veteran defense is the path to success. One thing is certain, though, New England's quick turnaround has shaken up the division after three years of being at the bottom.