Sauce Gardner has agreed to a massive four-year contract extension with the New York Jets worth $120.4 million. The deal makes him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history, with an average of $30.1 million per year at $60 million guaranteed.Â
This new contract puts Gardner ahead of all other players at his position. The deal includes $85.6 million in total guarantees, beating the previous record of $100.5 million set by Denzel Ward. Gardner’s extension comes just after the Jets also give a one $30 million contract to wide receiver Gerrett Wilson, showing the team’s commitment to its young stars.
A Star From the Start
Since joining the Jets in 2022, Gardner has become one of the best defenders in the league. He was named First-Team All-Pro and earned Defensive Rookie of the Year honours with 75 tackles and 2 interceptions. In 2023 repeated as the First-Team All-Pro, allowing only 332 yards in coverage all season.
Even though his stats went down a bit in 2024, Gardner continued to dominate in his game. He gave up just 3 touchdowns over 48 games in his first three seasons and kept opponents to a 55.3% completion rate. These numbers explain why the Jets were ready to offer him such a big contract.
Managing the Money
The Jets now face the challenge of setting this contract into their tight budget. The team is currently low on capital space, ranking near the bottom of the NFL. They also carry over $62 billion in dead money for 2024.
To make space, the Jets need to shift or restructure the contracts of their other players. Defensive lineman Quinnen Williams and offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker are among the team’s biggest salary cap hits this year. Since the jets are expected to have more flexibility this year, with nearly $30 million projected in space.
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