Jets' Sauce Gardner on signing mega extension alongside Garrett Wilson: 'Make this like we're underpaid'
Sauce Gardner is no stranger to the spotlight -- it's followed the stud cornerback everywhere since the Jets drafted him fourth overall in 2022 as the future leader of their defensive core.
But he also makes an effort to ensure teammates garner proper attention when milestones are achieved. Take last week, for example: Gardner wanted the announcement of his own record-breaking contract extension delayed a day, so star receiver Garrett Wilson could revel in his new long-term deal without sharing the dais.
The classy gesture from Gardner allowed two valuable players to have a moment to shine as individuals. And on Tuesday, the Jets officially made the former first-round pick the richest player at his position, with a mammoth four-year, $120.4 million pact that includes $60 million in new guarantees.
"It meant a lot to have that level of security, so I could just go out there and make plays," Gardner said during media availability at training camp on Tuesday. "I feel like it complements the new regime and coaching staff. They're going to put me and the rest of us in positions to make plays... Me and Garrett were talking, saying how we've got to compete and make it seem like we're underpaid still."
The only contract terms Gardner can surpass now are his own. With a new average salary of $30.1 million, the fourth-year starter is currently the highest-paid corner in NFL history, and he'll remain in a Jets uniform through the 2030 season. Money well spent, based on the numbers Gardner has posted.
He burst onto the scene in 2022, receiving the Defensive Rookie of the Year award with a league-high 20 passes defended, 51 solo tackles, and two interceptions across 17 games. Gardner also became the first cornerback to ever earn first-team All-Pro honors in each of his first two seasons.
Gardner will have to prove he's worthy of the elite dollar figure, and he's looking forward to the challenge of defying critics. Just like Wilson, who's now fixated on playing meaningful football during the late regular-season weeks, Gardner is determined to elevate the Jets' defense and snap the NFL's longest active playoff drought (14 years).
"I want to be the best. That's not just this season, but that's in general. My legacy when I leave," Gardner said. "I want to win games. We have the players, the coaches. We have everything that it takes to win games and win a lot of games. That's my main thing. My individual accolades, those are going to come with us winning games."
Gardner enters the 2025 season with the highest Pro Football Focus coverage grade among NFL corners since joining the league. But the 24-year-old still has room for improvement, as he committed a team-high 10 penalties in 2024 and saw his totals in passes defended and tackles dip.