Sauce Gardner Says Extension Talks ‘Fairly Productive’ With Jets

New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner is reaching a crucial second together with his NFL profession as extension talks with the group warmth up. With a stellar starting to his professional profession, the 24-year-old is looking for to grow to be one of many NFL’s high earners on the nook, and he believes a contract is imminent.

Gardner’s Contract Situation: Numbers and Timeline

On “The Pat McAfee Show”, Gardner shared that discussions between his brokers and the Jets have been “pretty productive.” Though nonetheless contracted with the group till 2026, they’re looking for a brand new contract that aligns together with his efficiency and price.

“We have our goals, in terms of numbers and stuff like that, and the Jets are aware of that. And I’m aware of the rest of my peers, like [Jaycee Horn], [Derek Stingley Jr.], even [Patrick Surtain II] got paid, obviously before me, but those are all guys that are well-deserving of the money that they got.”

Gardner will make a base wage of $1.1 million in 2025, together with roughly $9.5 million in roster and signing bonuses.

The Jets picked up his fifth-year possibility in April, retaining him on the energetic roster for the 2026 season. If there isn’t a extension, Gardner will make near $20.2 million in base wage in 2026 earlier than changing into a free agent in 2027.

But Gardner does not seem to wish to wait that lengthy. With current franchise-defying offers deferred to fellow 2022 draftees Horn and Stingley, the marketplace for elite corners has dramatically modified.

Cornerback Market Reaches New Heights

According to Bleacher Report, the Carolina Panthers granted Horn a four-year, $100 million extension, with $70 million assured, in March. Seven days later, the Houston Texans reset the place’s market by providing Stingley a three-year, $90 million contract with a whopping $89 million assured.

Today, solely cornerbacks Horn and Stingley make $25 million or extra yearly. Next in line are Patrick Surtain II and Jalen Ramsey at round $24 million common annual offers. For Gardner, reaching or surpassing these is the brand new actuality.

Even veteran nook Darius Slay chimed in on Twitter, his want being that Gardner receives an enormous payday. Gardner replied assertively: “It’ll happen in due time.”

Gardner Advocating for CB Salary Equality

Gardner has already questioned why cornerbacks haven’t but reached the extent of large receivers or defensive ends in wage. With receivers drawing as much as $40 million yearly, defenders, shutdown corners specifically, are demanding comparable respect.

Even Stingley acknowledged this shift after his personal extension through ESPN.

“Receivers are starting to touch $40 million [annually]. [We’re] the people that are going out there and competing against them. I think it’s good that the cornerback position and other defensive positions are starting to get up there, too.”