Gardner becomes highest-paid cornerback in NFL history

New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner has agreed to a four-year, $120.4 million contract extension, according to sources. The deal includes $85.653 million guaranteed and makes Gardner the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL.

Gardner will average $30.1 million per season, surpassing Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., who signed a three-year, $90 million extension in March. Stingley was selected one spot ahead of Gardner in the 2022 NFL Draft.

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"THE DEAL IS DONE this only the beginning," Gardner said in a post on X. "I appreciate the Jets organization for believing in me, my teammates for the blood, sweat, & tears we put in, and JETS NATION… I appreciate y'all supporting me Thank you GOD."

Jets secure core players through 2030

The Gardner extension follows teammate Garrett Wilson's contract extension, with both players now under contract through 2030. The Jets exercised Gardner's fifth-year option in April alongside Wilson and pass rusher Jermaine Johnson, extending control through the 2026 season.

The moves represent a shift for the Jets organization, which has not historically been proactive in signing stars to contract extensions with two years remaining on their deals. First-year general manager Darren Mougey and coach Aaron Glenn have expressed their commitment to retaining young talent while adding roster depth.

Gardner expresses commitment to franchise turnaround

Gardner has consistently expressed his desire to remain with the Jets and help transform the franchise, which has not made the playoffs since 2010. The 24-year-old cornerback has embraced the organization's new direction under the current coaching staff.

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"I wanna to win, I want to be a part of changing the organization," Gardner said last month during mandatory minicamp. "We got a new regime with AG [Glenn] and the coaching staff he brought in. I feel like they're doing a great job and changing the culture."

Historic rookie season established Gardner's NFL impact

Gardner made immediate impact after being drafted, becoming the first cornerback since the 1970 NFL merger to earn first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl selections during his rookie season in 2022. He was also named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Gardner followed his rookie campaign with another first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl season in 2023. However, his performance declined during the 2024 season as the Jets finished 5-12.

Statistical performance and injury concerns

Gardner registered 49 tackles, nine pass breakups and one interception during the 2024 season while battling a hamstring injury late in the year. His production decreased compared to his first two NFL seasons.

During his first two seasons, Gardner averaged 66 tackles and 16 pass breakups. Opposing quarterbacks completed 56.9 per cent of their passes and posted an 86.9 passer rating when targeting Gardner, according to Pro Football Reference.

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"I always feel like I've got something to prove each and every year," Gardner said. "I feel like I had something to prove going into the league, my first year, after my second year, after my third year, you know, and yeah, that's just me."