Jets CB Sauce Gardner Encouraged By Extension Talks

Negotiations on a long-term extension with Garrett Wilson have begun. The Jets have another monster deal looming with respect to Sauce Gardner, and talks on that front have apparently been positive so far.

Both 2022 first-rounders are now eligible for an extension at any time. As expected, the Jets’ new regime picked up Wilson and Gardner’s fifth-year options, tying them to the team through 2026 by doing so. Of course, it would come as no surprise if one or both were to have a long-term pact in hand well before their rookie deals expire.

Gardner attended this week’s minicamp against the backdrop of extension talks taking place, per Dianna Russini of The Athletic. That is in line with most players around the league, of course, but like every year 2025 has seen some angling for a new deal remain away from their teams. Gardner being present is of course a positive sign regarding the nature of contract negotiations.

“I just wanted to show my teammates, my coaches how much I want to win,” the former Defensive Player of the Year said when speaking to the media on Thursday (via Russini’s colleague Zack Rosenblatt). “I want to be part of change in the organization.”

Gardner added he feels “pretty good” about the current state of extension talks (h/t Rosenblatt). As things stand, the two-time All-Pro is due $20.19MM in 2026. The top of the corner market now sits at $30MM annually, though, and that represents a logical benchmark for negotiations in this case. Gardner, 24, racked up 31 pass deflections across his first two seasons in the league. He experienced a drop in production last year, but given his age and pedigree it would come as no surprise if he found himself as the league’s top-paid corner in the relatively near future.

Wilson is a clear priority for general manager Darren Mougey, head coach Aaron Glenn and Co. The same is not necessarily true of running back Breece Hall, although he has been assured of remaining in New York for 2025. Gardner will again play a key role in the team’s performance this year and beyond, and the Jets’ cap outlook will of course be greatly affected by any long-term agreement which is reached. Based on his comments, progress has been made on that front.