Sauce Gardner Becomes Highest-Paid Cornerback in NFL History

The New York Jets continue to invest in their young core, and on Tuesday they took a major step toward solidifying the future of their defense. Cornerback Sauce Gardner has signed a four-year, $120.4 million contract extension that includes $60 million guaranteed. According to Adam Schefter, the deal makes Gardner the highest paid cornerback in NFL history.

The Jets and All-Pro CB Sauce Gardner reached agreement on a four-year, $120.4 million contract extension that includes $60 million guaranteed, per source. Gardner becomes the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history.

Deal negotiated by agent Tory Dandy of CAA Football.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 15, 2025

This marks the second major extension for the Jets in as many days. Garrett Wilson agreed to a new deal on Monday, and now the franchise has taken care of its defensive centerpiece. With these moves, the team has made it clear they intend to build around its young stars. New general manager Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn are taking a proactive approach, locking up foundational players before market values rise even higher.

Gardner has lived up to the hype since the Jets selected him fourth overall in the 2022 NFL Draft. He was named Defensive Rookie of the Year and earned First-Team All-Pro honors in his first season. In the years since, he has consistently been one of the league’s premier shutdown corners, matching up against top receivers and limiting production every week. He has started every game he has been healthy enough to play in and leads by example both on and off the field.

The structure of the deal also matters. At an average of just over $30 million per season, Gardner narrowly edges out the previous top contract for cornerbacks. Reports indicate the Jets and Gardner’s camp intentionally negotiated the final number to surpass the existing high by less than $100,000, setting a new standard without significantly inflating the market. It is a calculated move by the front office that rewards Gardner’s performance and cements his place in franchise history.

This extension also speaks volumes about the team’s long-term strategy. With Aaron Rodgers officially gone and Justin Fields set to take over under center, the Jets are no longer operating in a short-term win-now window. The roster is being reshaped to support sustained success, and that begins with players like Gardner and Wilson. By extending them before their fifth-year options or free agency became factors, the Jets are protecting their cap space while committing to leaders who have already proven they can perform at an elite level.

Gardner’s extension runs through the 2030 season, meaning he will remain in green and white for the prime of his career. If the team continues to draft well and develop talent around its core, this could be the beginning of a new era of consistent success.

To join the discussion with other Jets fans and get full breakdowns of the deal, check out the conversation in our forums here: Sauce Gardner.

Quick Facts:

• Contract: Four years, $120.4 million total value
• Guaranteed: $60 million
• Status: Highest-paid cornerback in NFL history
• Drafted: Fourth overall in the 2022 NFL Draft
• Accolades: Defensive Rookie of the Year, First-Team All-Pro, multiple Pro Bowl appearances

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