The New York Jets are making Sauce Gardner the highest-paid cornerback within the NFL.
The Jets and Gardner agreed on a four-year, $120.4m extension by way of the 2030 season, based on an individual conversant in the scenario. The individual spoke to the Related Press on situation of anonymity Tuesday as a result of the settlement had not been introduced.
The contract paying the two-time All-Professional a median of $30.1m a 12 months comes a day after the Jets agreed to a profitable extension with their No 1 broad receiver, Garrett Wilson. That deal is value $130m, because the group locked up two foundational gamers – who’re each 24 – for the long-term future.
“I respect the Jets group for believing in me, my teammates for the blood, sweat, & tears we put in, and JETS NATION… I respect y’all supporting me … Thanks GOD,” Gardner posted to X on Tuesday.
Gardner, who turns 25 earlier than Week 1, was the No 4 choose within the 2022 draft out of Cincinnati. He established himself as one of many league’s prime cornerbacks throughout his first two skilled seasons, together with being chosen the AP Defensive Rookie of the Yr.
After a down 12 months by his requirements, he’s out to show naysayers unsuitable, saying he has all the time been an underdog. After not too long ago declining to say whether or not he needed to be the richest participant on the place, Gardner now has that distinction.
“Man, I simply needed to point out my teammates, present the coaches how a lot I’m purchased into this,” Gardner stated. “I wish to win. I wish to change the group. I wish to be part of altering the group.”
The Jets have the longest energetic playoff drought within the NFL, courting to a visit to the AFC championship recreation within the 2010 season. The group hopes the brand new regime of normal supervisor Darren Mougey and coach Aaron Glenn – himself a three-time Professional Bowl cornerback in his taking part in days – can lead a profitable turnaround.
