The New York Jets, after extending Wide Receiver Garrett Wilson, have now extended fourth year Cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Garden to a four-year $120.4 million contract that averages $30.1 million a year with $60 million guarenteed. Sauce Gardner has also announced the deal on his social media account on X/Twitter.
Once again, with this new deal for Sauce Gardner, like they did for Garrett Wilson, Jets General Manager Darren Mougey will sign him for his fifth-year option, and he remains with the Jets for the next six seasons, including this season for 2025.
From Jordan Dajani of CBS Sports.com, this is the third time the cornerback market has been reset this offseason. In March, Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn agreed to a four-year, $100 million deal. Then, just one week later, the Houston Texans gave Derek Stingley Jr. a three-year, $90 million contract that included a whopping $89 million guaranteed.
Gardner, who was selected with the No. 4 overall pick in 2022, earned Defensive Rookie of the Year honors after recording 75 combined tackles, two interceptions, and a league-leading 20 passes defensed. He became the first rookie cornerback to ever be named a First Team All-Pro, and earned a trip to the Pro Bowl as well. His counterpart, Wilson, won Offensive Rookie of the Year that same season.
Through his first two NFL campaigns, Gardner allowed the fewest yards per target (4.6) and second-lowest completion percentage (46%). He also became the first cornerback since Dick Harris in 1961 to be named a First Team All-Pro in each of his first two seasons.
In 2024, Gardner recorded 49 combined tackles, nine passes defensed, one sack, and one interception in 15 games played. It was statistically the worst season of his young career, marking the first time Gardner was not an All-Pro selection. But, at just 24 years old, the Jets have identified Gardner as a cornerstone for Aaron Glenn’s new-look defense.
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