Believe it or not, three years have passed since the New York Jets drafted superstar corner, Sauce Gardner. In his three years as a Jet, Gardner has gotten off to a historic start to his career. The two-time First Team All-Pro defensive back is on the highway to the Hall of Fame.
Gardner is eligible for a contract extension this offseason and has openly shared his desire to remain a Jet long-term. Gardner is undoubtedly one of the top players at his position, but how much is he set to make?
What could a Sauce Gardner extension look like?
The cornerback market has not taken off like most other premium positions. Only five corners are making $20 million a year AAV or more. The largest total contract by a corner was given out just before the 2024 season to reigning Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain. Surtain signed a four-year $96 million contract that guarantees over $75 million. This number is a good benchmark for what he can get from New York.
With the cap steadily rising, Sauce projects to exceed Surtain’s number and set the market. A four-year deal worth around $100 million seems fair. Gardner currently holds a $10.6 million cap hit (According to OverTheCap), and extending him would save the Jets a little over $3 million against the cap this year.
The Jets could wait another season, but getting a franchise player locked in would be the right thing to do. With various starters in the secondary set to hit the open market, the Jets need stability going forward in this group. Gardner is as proven as it gets, and the deal would be pretty straightforward. After three elite-level seasons as a coverage corner, he is ready to cash in. The Jets need Gardner here and should get ahead of the situation as soon as they can.
Does Gardner want to remain a Jet?
Sauce Gardner has not been shy in expressing his long term desire. The Jets’ franchise cornerstone is an active social media presence. He has repeatedly mentioned wanting to stay with the team across various social media posts. Almost every star that is nearing the end of their deal is subjected to some sort of trade speculation but in this case we have a clear understanding of where Gardner’s heart is.
i don't like keeping secrets😂 that's why i don't hesitate to say i wanna be a Jet long term lol https://t.co/V78TA6E4tu
— SAUCE GARDNER (@iamSauceGardner) February 25, 2025
Sauce Gardner is seemingly on board with where the Jets are headed. With a talented roster and a new regime in town, the Jets can quickly turn the ship around. Gardner will be a major part of this.
Gardner is one of the most accomplished young players in the league and a massive part of the Jets’ defense. Keeping their superstar corner long-term should be a major priority for the team, and getting a deal done should not be overly complicated.
Main Image: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
