Sauce Gardner just gave the NY Jets another reason to pay him

The new New York Jets regime has had some tough decisions to make this offseason. From evaluating their quarterback of the future to navigating a roster in transition, general manager Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn have been tasked with reshaping the organization’s future.

But if there’s one decision that shouldn’t require much thought, it’s what to do with Sauce Gardner.

Gardner is widely expected to become the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history at some point in the near future. He’s done everything right on and off the field since being drafted fourth overall in 2022 and has developed into a true cornerstone player for the franchise.

Still, as the Jets kicked off their offseason program this week, Gardner remains without a new deal. It’s the kind of situation where many players in his shoes might choose to stay home. But not Gardner.

The All-Pro cornerback showed up to work anyway, continuing to lead by example and showing his commitment to the team. As SNY’s Connor Hughes insisted on social media, “These are guys you invest in.”

Gardner saw the post and responded in kind.

Sauce Gardner sends another bold message to the NY Jets about his future

The fourth overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Gardner has had one of the best starts to his career of any cornerback in NFL history. The former Cincinnati star earned first-team All-Pro honors in each of his first two seasons in the league.

His 2024 season was a step back from his elite performances in 2022 and 2023, but Gardner still finished the year with the fewest catches allowed of any qualified cornerback. Yes, that was his worst season in the NFL.

Gardner remains one of the most valuable defensive players in football and is expected to be paid as such in due time. The Jets have insisted that they plan to continue extension talks with Gardner and Garrett Wilson following the conclusion of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Again, some players in search of new contracts choose to skip voluntary offseason workouts — just look at Las Vegas Raiders left tackle Kolton Miller, who is currently sitting out as he negotiates a new deal.

Meanwhile, Gardner is on the field with his teammates, setting the tone vocally while leading by example. Despite having every reason to hold out, he showed up — a clear sign of the kind of leader he is and the culture he’s trying to help build in Florham Park.

He also continued to make it known that he wants to be in New York for the long haul. He’s not playing games. He’s not stirring drama. He’s just showing up and waiting for the team to do right by him.

Now, it’s on the Jets to follow through. Gardner has made his intentions clear. The ball is firmly in their court.

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