The 2-7 New York Jets have sold off their first player ahead of Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Jets are shipping safety Andre Cisco to the Detroit Lions in exchange for a 2028 sixth-round pick.
Cisco, 26, appeared to be a likely trade candidate for the Jets. He offers plenty of starting experience, logging 59 starts through six NFL seasons, but is relegated in a backup role behind Jets starters Minkah Fitzpatrick and Dane Belton, who have been a respectable duo. Thus, the Jets elected to accept future draft compensation for a backup safety on an expiring contract.
The Lions have dealt with issues at safety throughout the 2026 season. Their starting duo, comprised of stars Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph, both missed the first six games of the year due to injuries sustained in 2025. Branch returned in Week 7, and the Lions opened the 21-day practice window for Joseph to return on October 28.
Cisco offers short-term veteran secondary depth for a 6-2 Detroit squad with its sights on the NFC North title and Super Bowl contention in 2026. The 2-7 Jets get back a non-conditional future sixth-rounder for a backup who was not under contract for the following season. It feels like a win-win for both parties.
What comes next for the Jets is uncertain. Head coach Aaron Glenn shot down trade rumors when speaking to the media on Monday, stating that the team “in the business of keeping good players” and that he did not anticipate any moves, but the Cisco news dropped shortly thereafter. Reports indicate that New York has received offers for edge rusher Will McDonald, who requested a trade, but the team has appeared intent on keeping him so far.
