New report reveals Jets' plan for Garrett Wilson and Sauce Gardner extensions

One of the biggest questions faced by the New York Jets this offseason was when/if the extensions of Garrett Wilson and Sauce Gardner would get done. With OTAs in full swing, it is becoming increasingly clear when these deals could get signed.

ESPN's Rich Cimini revealed that the Jets will have "plenty of flexibility" for extensions to get done with both Wilson and Gardner on June 2, after the post-June 1 designations kick in.

Currently, Aaron Rodgers and C.J. Mosley are counting for a combined $36.3 million against the salary cap. This number will drop to just $13.5 million on June 2, putting New York's salary cap space at the second most in the NFL.

This comes after Garrett Wilson stated that he wanted to be a "Jet for life" last week, after practice. Head coach Aaron Glenn also discussed the importance of getting Wilson the ball "as much as possible."

The NY Jets should be extending Garrett Wilson and Sauce Gardner soon

Extending Garrett Wilson and Sauce Gardner is a no-brainer for Darren Mougey and Aaron Glenn. Wilson and Gardner are two blue-chip, franchise cornerstones that this new regime can continue to build around.

While there was speculation last season about Wilson being unhappy with the Jets, he cleared that up on Wednesday. The 2022 10th overall pick said his unhappiness was about losing, not about being on the Jets.

Since entering the league, Wilson has been one of the lone bright spots on an otherwise poor Jets offense. The 24-year-old has produced 1,000 yards in each of his first three seasons, becoming the first Jet in franchise history to accomplish the feat.

The Ohio State product is also just the fifth player in NFL history to amass at least 80 receptions and 1,000 yards in each of his first three seasons.

It'll now be up to Aaron Glenn and the rest of this new regime to build a long-term winning culture for a star player in Wilson, who is hungry to win.

As for Gardner, despite a down year last season for his standards, the 2022 fourth overall pick remains one of the premier shutdown corners in football. The Cincinnati product is the only cornerback in NFL history to be named 1st-team All-Pro in back-to-back seasons to start a career.

Even in a "down year" during 2024, Gardner allowed just 24 catches, which was the fewest among all qualified cornerbacks. The All-Pro was also targeted the second-fewest times last season.

Glenn taking over the reins is perfect for Gardner, who could be in store for another monster season. Expect the Jets under Glenn and defensive coordinator Steve Wilkes to run significantly more man coverage, which Gardner has proven himself to execute in man coverage at an elite level.

This could also lead the 24-year-old into more interceptions, which have been hard to come by so far in his career.

It's simple. Garrett Wilson and Sauce Gardner will and should be Jets for life.

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