Jets Tying Up Sauce Gardner to $120.4 Million Deal after Garrett Wilson Contract Stuns Fans: “God Bless his Agent”

Sauce Gardner had his worst season statistically for the New York Jets last year, but should get better under new head coach Aaron Glenn.

Jets Tying Up Sauce Gardner to $120.4 Million Deal after Garrett Wilson Contract Stuns Fans: “God Bless his Agent”

Jets make Sauce Gardner highest-paid CB (Image via Imago)

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Last season was the perfect example of a disappointment when the Aaron Rodgers-led New York Jets could not even make it to the playoffs. Once that experiment was over, the franchise looked towards a new era based around their young core of Garrett Wilson, Quinnen Williams, and Sauce Gardner.

Williams received his extension before the 2023 season, and has been consistently one of the best defensive tackles in the league. Last season, Wilson had his best year statistically, but the Jets understood those numbers were only going to get better.

That potential saw the franchise reward him with a monster $130 million extension that will keep him in the Big Apple until the 2030 season. This insistence on building a solid foundation for the future must be a result of their failed attempts to try to win through veteran superstar.

The Jets continue the trend with their third most important young player. Per NFL Insider Ian Rapoport, the front office brought Sauce Gardner in to sign a four-year, $120.4 million deal. This brings his yearly average to $30.1 million.

In short, that deal makes the 24-year-old the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history. Quite the pretty penny for someone who was once a 3-star recruit out of Detroit. This deal will see him wear green until the 2030 season.

Gardner has had quite the offseason after his personal life became a hot topic ever since photos of him and rapper Ice Spice became public. Now, with a major contract secured for his future, the Detroit native can focus on the game, as well as his relationship.

NFL fans in awe after Sauce Gardner becomes highest-paid CB

When football fans received this notification from Rapoport or any other NFL Insider, their reactions were a mix of surprise, shock, and disappointment. The first two were abundant because no one expected the New York Jets to make Sauce Gardner the highest-paid CB.

Some expressed disappointment, especially after the season the 24-year-old had. Statistically, the corner had his worst season to date. It might be some solace that Gardner was playing with the same downtrodden mood the rest of his teammates suffered from.

Fans believe either the Cincinnati alum’s agent was very good in negotiations, or the Jets see something in him that could materialize over the next few years. Examples of such varying reactions are listed below.

Under new head coach Aaron Glenn, there is hope that the likes of Sauce Gardner and his defensive teammates will perform better than what they did last season. But fans feel hope that the pressure from this enormous contract does not make matters worse.

Sauce Gardner to earn $85.6 million in guarantees

The $120.4 million contract does not start until the 2026 season. This year, Sauce Gardner will have to make do with the $10 million odd that will hit his bank account. However, he should be rubbing his hands with glee, knowing how much will be coming in next season.

As per the terms of this contract, Adam Schefter revealed that the New York Jets will be paying roughly 71%, or $85.6 million in guaranteed money. It will not be paid out all at once, rather, the corner will be seeing credit messages up until the 2028 season.

Jets hope Sauce Gardner and Garrett Wilson step up next season
Jets hope Sauce Gardner and Garrett Wilson step up next season (Image via Imago/X)

That is roughly $28 million a season in guarantees. This could ease the pressure on Gardner. However, the money could also become a problem if he does not elevate his game. The Jets need him to be their best corner and are about to pay him accordingly.

If he does not shake off the down season he had playing with Aaron Rodgers, that guaranteed money might be the only thing he takes away. Essentially, the Jets might be forcing these young players to step up.

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