An April report indicated the Jets would explore extensions for 2022 first-rounders Sauce Gardner and Garrett Wilson (along with 2021 first-round choice Alijah Vera-Tucker) after the 2025 draft. Now that the draft is over, it is fair to expect those talks to get underway.
As for Wilson, ESPN’s Rich Cimini says negotiations are in the early stages, and he anticipates the discussions will become more involved in training camp. Prior reports noted it may be difficult for the parties to agree on the appropriate compensation for the wide receiver, because while he has put up strong numbers (three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons), his surface-level statistics would not seem to make him a candidate for a top-of-the-market accord.
On the other hand, Wilson’s talent is undeniable, and he has managed his production with poor-to-mediocre quarterback play. As such, Cimini believes the Ohio State product will be looking for a $30MM/year deal, which would effectively place him in a four-way tie with Amon-Ra St. Brown, Tyreek Hill, and Brandon Aiyuk for sixth place on the WR market (the average annual value on St. Brown’s contract is $30.0025MM).
Perceived tension with former QB Aaron Rodgers and a role impacted by 2024 trade acquisition Davante Adams seemed to put Wilson’s New York future in doubt not too long ago. However, Rodgers and Adams are gone, and Wilson recently expressed his desire to remain with the Jets for the rest of his career.
Gardner has echoed those sentiments, and Cimini confirms the two-time First Team All-Pro cornerback is, like his 2022 draftmate, looking to hit or exceed the $30MM/year threshold. In the case of the CB market, though, that AAV would make Gardner the highest-paid player at his position.
Cimini does not indicate whether Gardner negotiations have begun in earnest, but previous reports suggested talks with the 24-year-old defender are not expected to be as challenging as those with Wilson. Derek Stingley Jr. ’s three-year, $90MM pact with the Texans (featuring roughly $48MM in full guarantees) presently tops the cornerback hierarchy, and despite a regression last season, player and team understand Gardner will command at least that much (Cimini predictably confirms Gardner is using Stingley’s deal as his benchmark in extension discussions).
The Jets made the easy decision to exercise the fifth-year options for both players, and the fact that Gardner has earned two Pro Bowl berths in his young career placed him in the top bracket for such options. The transaction puts him in line for a fully-guaranteed $20.19MM salary in 2026, though it would not be surprising to see a record-setting contract in place well before then (especially given the importance of a true CB1 in new head coach Aaron Glenn’s man-heavy scheme). Wilson, meanwhile, has locked in a $16.82MM salary for 2025.
As Cimini observes, the Jets will be near the top of the league in cap space on June 2, when Rodgers and C.J. Mosley – both released with post-June 1 designations earlier this offseason – officially come off the books. Those moves will free up $22.8MM of room, so there will be plenty of financial flexibility to get deals done with Gardner and Wilson (and perhaps Vera-Tucker as well).
Every football parent should give their skill position player a catchy nickname, as it is undoubtedly worth something in free press coverage, pro bowl votes, and contract negotiations.
As for the Jets, both of these guys are good players but not worth top of the league money given their uneven production – despite the usual beauty pageant awards.
I’m wondering if Jets players have to execute a butt fumble during the talent portion of those beauty pageant awards 🙂
Sorry all, but I was in the middle of editing this comment to differentiate between Gardner and Wilson when the site decided to reload and closed out my ability to reload or delete my comment.
In summary, I would not overpay Gardener, but would give Wilson his cash.
When did we drop the ” “?
Used to be James “Buster” Douglas, Now, it’s Buster Posey.
Used to be Adam “Pac Man” Jones. Now, whatever rando name they give themselves gets printed as if it’s their given name. Sauce Gardner instead of Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner. Etc.
Two 1st team AP in your first 3 years is worth top of the league money but okay bro lmao
If the Jets management is sitting down at the table to undertake contract extension negotiations… it must mean the latest Madden ratings have been released.
I lold
If you’re a quality player looking at a fat new contract, why even speak to the Jets? They are a bum of an organization. Go somewhere else where you have a chance to win.
Of course, negotiations won’t begin until Woody’s kids have more time to research Madden stats during summer break.
People keep making fun of this kid but I’d easily trust the Madden ratings over scouts hired by Woody Johnson.