Patrick Surtain II deal will make Sauce Gardner highest-paid cornerback in NFL history

The NY Jets are lucky to have, depending on your persuasion, either the best cornerback in the league or (at worst) a top-three performer in Sauce Gardner. In just two years, Gardner went from a much-hyped No. 4 pick to a lockdown star who shuts down even the best receivers in the league.

The only cornerback that even has a claim to Gardner's title of best in the league is Denver Broncos star Patrick Surtain II. With Surtain eligible for an extension immediately, the Broncos rewarded their star with a contract that is sure to get Gardner's attention after the news broke.

Surtain signed a four-year, $96 million contract extension ($77.5 million guaranteed) with Denver that makes him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history. Surtain's $24 million annual salary will exceed that of Packers star Jaire Alexander, making this a truly unprecedented extension. Gardner has taken notice.

Gardner noted that Surtain "got that bag" on social media after the extension. With Gardner eligible for an extension after the 2024 season, all signs now point to the rising young star resetting the cornerback market and becoming the first corner in NFL history to make $25 million per season.

NY Jets could give Sauce Gardner $100 million contract after Patrick Surtain II deal

Gardner's first two seasons in the league may be the best such stretch for any cornerback in NFL history. With 31 passes broken up, a pair of first-team All-Pro nods, and a Defensive Rookie of the Year Award, Gardner has had a transformative effect on the New York defense.

The heartbeat of this Jets team is their secondary. While DJ Reed is an impending free agent, there is some mutual interest in a contract. Michael Carter II, long regarded as arguably the best slot cornerback in the league, was just rewarded with a three-year contract of his own.

The Jets have a strong core, and they are beginning the process of extending them. Breece Hall, Jermaine Johnson, and Garrett Wilson are all likely to be among the highest earners at their respective positions, and veterans like Haason Reddick (if he ever shows up) could be next in line.

The Jets have sustainable success right in front of their face for the first time in a long time, and Gardner is the biggest building block Joe Douglas needs to keep in New York. Surtain deserves his money, but Gardner is going to turn the Jets into a long-term success story.

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