The New York Jets were widely regarded as the winners of the 2026 NFL trade deadline after the Indianapolis Colts embarked on a significant roster tear-down, according to analysis published November 11 by Paul Esden Jr. on Heavy via Yahoo Sports.
The Colts' moves signaled a shift in strategy, while the Jets' relative inactivity or strategic positioning earned them praise from analysts. The evaluation comes as the 2026 season progresses, with a file photo from September 20 showing Colts wide receiver Josh Downs being tackled by Chiefs cornerback L'jarius Sneed at Arrowhead Stadium.
