Sauce Gardner, the New York Jets‘ star cornerback, has reached a pivotal point in his NFL career: eligibility for a contract extension. After completing his third season, Gardner could negotiate a long-term deal, though discussions will likely depend on the team hiring a new general manager.
Gardner, who was named Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2022 and earned first-team All-Pro honors in his first two seasons, experienced a slight decline in performance during 2024. Nevertheless, he expressed a strong desire to stay with the Jets.
Sauce Gardner had a surprise for Aaron Rodgers post-practice
“I want to be part of this for a long time,” Gardner said. “I want to be part of the change in this organization. If I was to go somewhere else and then there was a change, I’d be a hater, for real.”
Related:
Gardner still has one year left on his rookie contract, with the Jets holding a fifth-year option for 2026. While he remains patient, the 24-year-old acknowledged that any extension talks would be handled by his agent.
Other key decisions for the Jets this offseason
Wide receiver Garrett Wilson, another 2022 first-round pick, is also expected to seek a new contract. Speculation suggests Wilson might even request a trade, though he was unavailable for comment during locker clean-out day.
The team also faces a decision on Davante Adams, who joined the Jets midseason in a trade with the Raiders. Releasing Adams could clear $30 million in salary cap space, making his future uncertain.
“I have no idea, honestly,” Adams said. “I’m taking some time to reassess and have conversations about what’s next.”
Meanwhile, the return of quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who Adams joined to reunite with, remains unclear. Adams admitted Rodgers‘ plans could influence his decision to stay but didn’t rule out staying with the Jets even without him.
“I don’t know what his plans are yet, but that’ll have something to do with it,” Adams noted.
Linebacker C.J. Mosley, who missed the last two months of the season due to a neck injury, confirmed his intention to return in 2025. “I don’t have any thoughts on retiring,” Mosley said. “My main focus is getting healthy.”
With major roster decisions ahead, the Jets‘ offseason promises to be a defining moment for the franchise.m 100 percent on the field and off the field.”
