Price Tag for New York Jets' Star Sauce Gardner Revealed
Price Tag for New York Jets' Star Sauce Gardner Revealed originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The New York Jets seemingly struck gold with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, when they selected two-time All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner. The Jets picked up a pair of Pro Bowlers in the first round that season with Gardner and Jermaine Johnson II, as well as standout receiver Garrett Wilson.
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Now, all three players are extension-eligible, as is running back Breece Hall. The Jets will have to hand out a few hefty checks to keep their stars in town longterm, and Gardner's price tag is going to be sky-high, and it keeps going up and up.
ESPN's Rich Cimini recently revealed that Gardner wants to remain a Jet, and has a price tag in mind.
"Gardner has professed his desire to stay with the Jets long-term," Cimini wrote this week. "The Texans' Derek Stingley Jr. raised the ceiling with his three-year, $90 million extension. Gardner is thought to be seeking at least that much."
The Jets seemingly want to get a deal done with Gardner, who was one of the best players in the NFL in his first two NFL seasons. Gardner had a down year in 2024, which may have the Jets a touch apprehensive to hand out a $30 million salary.
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But Gardner has showcased all-world talent at cornerback. Gardner led the NFL in pass breakups in his rookie campaign, with 20. In 2024, Gardner had just one interception and nine pass breakups, and a career-low 49 tackles and one tackle for loss.
"Gardner was an All-Pro in each of his first two seasons, but his play tailed off last season, as it did for many of the Jets' defenders," Cimini wrote. "Nevertheless, he's still regarded as one of the top corners, an essential position in coach Aaron Glenn's man-heavy scheme."
Contracts in the NFL can tend to be a crapshoot, with injuries and scheme changes potentially leading to up-and-down play, but Gardner's talent is undeniable. It's not often you come across a player with that level of talent at corner, and the two seasons of elite play likely outweigh the risks of declined play.
Related: Jets Desperately Need Fields Four-Word Claim To Come True
Related: Jets Coach Reveals Update on Fields' Progress
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
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