Jets fans convinced Sauce Gardner extension is coming after latest rumors

New York Jets star cornerback Sauce Gardner might be closing in on a massive payday, at least, that’s what the internet seems to think. Reading the tea leaves, there may be some fire behind this smoke.

Extension buzz surrounding Gardner reached a new high this week following a cryptic Instagram story from the All-Pro cornerback that read, “boutta break the generational curse. All God’s work.” It's not just the suggestive post, though.

Those rumors were further amplified by an unverified but increasingly notable source on NFL Twitter known simply as “Rickey,” who reported that Gardner is expected to become the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history as the Jets are “pushing to get an extension done during training camp.”

While it should be noted that Rickey is far from a verified NFL insider, he’s built a reputation on Twitter for consistently getting league news right before it breaks. His track record isn’t perfect, but it’s strong enough that fans and even media members take notice when he reports something.

Of course, it’s always smart to take reports like this with a grain of salt. This "report," combined with Gardner's Instagram story, has raised some eyebrows, though.

The Jets might be days away from a Sauce Gardner extension

Gardner’s contract situation has been a primary talking point among Jets fans for months, and for good reason. The 24-year-old has already cemented himself as one of the best defensive players in football, earning first-team All-Pro honors in each of his first two NFL seasons.

Even in what was absolutely a “down year in 2024, Gardner still allowed the fewest receptions among all qualified cornerbacks. That's a direct testament to how high his standard has become.

Gardner is a shutdown cornerback, arguably the current face of the franchise, and one of the best homegrown talents the Jets have developed in team history. He's everything teams look for in a franchise cornerstone.

Gardner has handled his contract situation the right way, too, showing up to voluntary workouts, attending mandatory minicamp, and consistently expressing a desire to stay in New York long term.

The trust between Gardner and the new regime, general manager Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn, has been noticeable. If a deal truly is close, it would certainly lend credence to that mutual faith.

A possible Gardner extension also turns the attention to wide receiver Garrett Wilson, Gardner’s 2022 draft classmate and another foundational star on the Jets roster. Wilson is eligible for an extension and could be next in line for a payday of his own.

If the Jets finalize a deal with Gardner before the start of camp, it could be the first of multiple big-time extensions handed out in Florham Park this summer.

The Jets might be days away from locking in the cornerstone of their defense for years to come. Let's hope the rumors are true.

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