Sauce Gardner Becomes NFL’s Highest-Paid Cornerback With $120.4 Million Jets Extension

By Jason Bolton July 17, 2025 09:12

New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner officially became the highest-paid player at his position in NFL history after agreeing to a four-year contract extension worth $120.4 million, including about $60 million in guaranteed money. The deal, announced on July 15, 2025, carries an average annual value of approximately $30.1 million, surpassing the previous record held by Houston Texans’ Derek Stingley Jr., who signed a three-year, $90 million extension earlier this year.

Gardner, drafted fourth overall in 2022, has quickly emerged as one of the league’s premier defensive backs. Known for his lockdown coverage and exceptional football IQ, the 24-year-old has been instrumental in revitalizing a Jets secondary that had long struggled to find consistency. Despite playing just three NFL seasons, Gardner has already earned two first-team All-Pro selections and was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2022 an accolade that historically few cornerbacks achieve.

His remarkable start to a career saw him participate in 48 of a possible 51 games, displaying a rare durability for the position. While Gardner’s interception totals aren’t eye-popping he has recorded three picks to date his impact transcends traditional stats. His ability to shut down opposing top receivers has been a key reason the Jets’ defense improved steadily under head coach Aaron Glenn, who called Gardner “an elite talent and a cornerstone of our defense moving forward.”

The timing of the extension is notable. Gardner had two years left on his rookie deal, including a fully guaranteed fifth-year option worth $20.2 million. The Jets’ front office opted to secure their star cornerback long term rather than risk him hitting free agency or entering a holdout. This proactive approach mirrors moves by other franchises locking down young stars early in their careers and positions the Jets’ defense to remain a formidable unit entering the mid-2020s.

In his own words, Gardner expressed gratitude and committed to the Jets’ vision: “This is only the beginning. I appreciate the Jets organization believing in me and the fans supporting me. I want to be part of building something special here, changing the organization and the culture.”

From a strategic perspective, this extension signals the Jets’ confidence in Gardner as a foundational player, akin to recent franchise cornerstone contracts given to players like Quinnen Williams and Garrett Wilson. As NFL Insider Adam Schefter noted, the contract marks the “Jets’ commitment to keeping their young core intact,” and it is a strong statement in attracting future free agents to a rising competitive team.

Financially, Gardner’s average salary of $30.1 million annually places him fifth highest among all NFL players, just behind stars at quarterback, wide receiver, pass rusher, and defensive tackle positions. This reflects the increasing premium placed on elite cornerbacks in today’s pass-heavy game, where shutdown coverage can neutralize entire offenses.

In historical context, Gardner becomes the first Jets player since linebacker C.J. Mosley in 2019 to hold the distinction of being the highest-paid player at his position. With this deal, Gardner not only secures his financial future but also cements himself as a generational talent and face of the franchise.

As the Jets continue their push toward playoff contention, locking in Sauce Gardner long term provides a defensive anchor capable of matching the offense’s evolving firepower. His combination of youth, skill, and dedication makes Gardner a critical piece in the Jets’ aspirations for sustained success.