by: Alana Brown-Davis
Sauce Gardner has scored a feat for his career that has proven to be historical. The New York Jets awarded the star cornerback a four- year $120 million extension deal, this week. This comes just a day after the team reached a long term extension with wide receiver Garrett Wilson. Based off of his contract, he will receive approximately $85 million guaranteed. Gardner’s average salary per year will be $30.1 million making him the highest paid cornerback in history.
Gardner had two years remaining on his initial contract which was $20.2 million guaranteed. With this deal, the New York Jets continue to move forward as the continue to rebuild the team into a magnetic force with a core group. Gardner has expressed his commitment to the Jets and their mission.
“I want to change the organization,” he said. “I want to be a part of changing the organization.”
New York had a lackluster performance last year going 5-12 in what was supposed to be a stellar season. Super Bowl champion Aaron Rodger and six time Pro Bowler Davante Adams were key components to a supposedly dynamic team. This year, with Justin Fields at QB1, and key pieces like Gardner and Wilson becoming franchise faces, the team should have a paradigm shift.
Gardner was drafted fourth overall in the 2022 NFL draft. He was voted NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2022 along with consecutive All-Pro and Pro Bowl appearances. Gardner became the first rookie cornerback to make All Pro since Ronnie Lott in 1981. This season he had 36 solo tackles, 1 sack, and 1 interception. He’s expected to capitalize off of his work in the upcoming season.
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