Sauce Gardner's contract makes Pat Surtain look like an insane bargain for Broncos
Not long after PS2 signed a deal that averaged $24 million per season, Jalen Ramsey got a contract that averaged $24.1M. Later, Jaycee Horn got $25M. Then Derek Stingley took the market to another level with $30M.
Advertisement
The latest big cornerback extension has gone to Sauce Gardner of the New York Jets. He'll get $120.4 million over four years, an average of $30.1M, making him the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL.
So, just ten months after becoming the highest-paid ever at his position, Surtain now ranks fifth among cornerbacks in terms of average salary. His contract looks like a remarkable bargain for the Broncos.
Highest-paid NFL cornerbacks (APY)
Sauce Gardner: $30.1M
Derek Stingley.: $30M
Jaycee Horn: $25M
Jalen Ramsey: $24.1M
Patrick Surtain: $24M
Surtain, who won the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year award in 2024, is widely considered the best cornerback in the league. If the CB market continues trending this way, Denver might have to revisit PS2's contract well before it's set to expire in 2030. Less than a year after getting a massive extension, Surtain now appears to be underpaid.
Advertisement
Social: Follow Broncos Wire on Facebook and Twitter/X! Did you know: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans.
This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: NFL: Cornerback contracts make Pat Surtain a bargain for Broncos
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
24 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Broncos agree to terms with first-round pick Jahdae Barron
First-round cornerback Jahdae Barron will join the Broncos' rookies when they report to training camp Wednesday. He agreed to terms on a four-year, $18.073 million deal late Tuesday night that includes a $9.784 million signing bonus, Mike Klis of 9News reports. Advertisement The Broncos expect to have Barron as their starting slot cornerback on what should be one of the top secondaries in the league with 2024 defensive player of the year Pat Surtain II, Brandon Jones, Riley Moss and Talanoa Hufanga. Barron's agreement leaves Bengals edge rusher Shemar Stewart as the only first-round pick who is without a contract. The Broncos still have to come to terms with running back RJ Harvey, who is one of 30 second-rounders still unsigned. Texans receiver Jayden Higgins, the 34th overall pick, became the first second-round pick ever to receive a fully guaranteed contract. The Browns then had to give linebacker Carson Schwesinger, the 33rd overall pick, a fully guaranteed deal. No other second-round draft pick has signed.
Time Business News
26 minutes ago
- Time Business News
Xavier Watts Draws High Praise from AUE Founder: "Reminds Me of Ed Reed"
Notre Dame Football YouTube Channel RG spoke to Augustine Ume-Ezeoke, AUE's founder, about his extensive working experience with former Notre Dame star Xavier Watts during an exclusive conversation. Giving a rare insight into the intense preparation that has shaped the young safety's journey to the NFL. Ume-Ezeoke's comparison is both bold and informative. 'Reminds me of Ed Reed,' he said without hesitation. Football players aren't likely to drop that name lightly. Ed Reed is a standout for elite play at the position due to his Hall of Fame status, Super Bowl championship, and arguably being the most instinctive safety the NFL has ever seen. Despite working closely with Watts for months, Ume-Ezeoke sees beyond just physical talent. He sees the intangible qualities that distinguish good from great. 'His IQ. High football intelligence. You saw it in how he trained—in the weight room, during speed work,' Ume-Ezeoke told RG . 'He's a communicator, a leader on the back end. Reminds me of Ed Reed in that sense.' Draft-Day Steal and Mental Fortitude While it came as a mild surprise that Watts was still on board late into the third round, ultimately landing with the Atlanta Falcons at 96th overall. The chip on his shoulder may only increase with his draft-day value. According to Ume-Ezeoke, Watts' capacity to handle and embrace that kind of adversity was not an accident. 'We talked a lot about staying level-headed—handling criticism, setbacks, and the pressure of the draft process,' he explained. 'I'd intentionally put him in uncomfortable training situations: fatigued reps, unexpected changes, even verbal pressure. He embraced it all.' The goal was uncomplicated: develop Watts into an NFL defensive back who can not only survive but thrive under the pressure of quarterbacking the secondary. Training for the NFL's Mental Gauntlet AUE was launched by Ume-Ezeoke, a former standout offensive lineman, to create an environment where athletes are not only trained, but also battle-tested. For Watts, that meant entering what Ume-Ezeoke calls 'the lab'—where excellence is refined through chaos and control. In addition to training that focused on recovering from fatigue and being aware of the field, there was a constant emphasis on adaptability. Ume-Ezeoke mentioned that Watts' development went beyond the field, focusing on traits that NFL teams seek: emotional stability, leadership, and real-time problem-solving. 'That resilience is one of his biggest assets going into the league,' he said. 'You can't fake that. He had to earn it every day.' The Ed Reed Comparison: More Than Just Style Ume-Ezeoke expanded on the Ed Reed comparison by pointing beyond the highlight reel plays and sideline-to-sideline range. Watts' skill in rapidly processing information, communicating pre-snap adjustments, and anticipating the offense's intentions before the ball was even snapped caught his attention the most. 'He sees the game like a veteran, even at 23,' Ume-Ezeoke said. 'That's rare. That's what Ed had. Not just speed or hits, but instincts. Xavier's got that.' Poised for a Breakout in Atlanta Watts is now officially a member of the Atlanta Falcons and will be tasked with developing quickly in a secondary position. In the NFC South, there are several emerging receivers and creative offenses. Watts enters the league prepared for battle thanks to the mental and physical preparation he put in during his time at AUE. He isn't just another newcomer. He's a player who has already faced internal battles and emerged with sharpened instincts, clarity of mind, and an approach designed for long-term success. The Verdict: Built for the League The legacy of Xavier Watts is still in its infancy for Augustine Ume-Ezeoke, but the foundation is unmistakable. Watts has put discipline, intelligence, and toughness into every aspect of his preparation, allowing him to make an immediate impact. 'He's ready. He's the type of guy who'll thrive when the lights are brightest,' Ume-Ezeoke concluded. 'Not just because of his talent, but because he's already been tested.' The Falcons may have walked away with one of the steals of the 2025 NFL Draft. If Watts' trajectory continues, the echoes of Ed Reed's greatness might one day live on in Atlanta. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
CNN
33 minutes ago
- CNN
Victor Wembanyama says he is ‘officially cleared to play again' after blood clot
San Antonio Spurs sensation Victor Wembanyama says he has been cleared to return to the court after recovering from a blood clot in his right shoulder. The 21-year-old, who was selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft and is widely considered one of basketball's most exciting prospects in a generation, was forced to end his 2024-25 season early following the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis. Wembanyama underwent surgery on the issue in March, but his absence meant he missed out on being named Defensive Player of the Year, an award he was the overwhelming favorite to win. 'I'm officially cleared to play again,' Wembanyama told French outlet L'Equipe. 'It's very fresh, I got the go-ahead from the Spurs medical staff just a few hours ago (Friday). Phew, I'm finally going to be able to play a bit of basketball again! 'My injury was an adventure, of course, but the worst is over. I'm much better today, both physically and mentally. I'm right on schedule in terms of what had been planned for my recovery timeline, and well ahead of schedule when you look at the history of NBA players who have had this type of problem. 'One can now say that this thrombosis is officially behind me. It shouldn't happen again.' Wembanyama admitted his 'head was spinning' when he first received the news, as he had never gone so long without playing basketball in his life. Despite being cleared to return, 'Wemby' admits he still has a lot of work to do before he is game ready. 'Now, I have to continue with specific work on my shoulder, and above all get back to my basketball habits,' he said. 'I haven't played 5-on-5 for five months now. If I were to have a game tomorrow, it would be risky. 'There are a lot of reflexes I need to rediscover, both conscious and linked to muscle memory. The first thought that comes to mind is: 'I've been betrayed by my body, it's let me down.' But this is not at all the right vision to have.' The unanimous 2023-24 Rookie of the Year, Wembanyama finished last season with a league high 176 blocks – 28 clear of the next best total – despite his campaign ending early. Wembanyama will likely again be the heavy favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year this coming season.
