Sauce Gardner’s struggles are becoming impossible for the Jets to ignore

Sauce Gardner had a historic rookie season for the New York Jets back in 2022. In 2023, he put up ridiculous numbers as well, repeating his dominance. In 2024, the University of Cincinnati product didn't quite reach the same lofty heights that had become expected of him.

The small step back didn't stop the Jets from making him the highest-paid corner in NFL history, signing him to a four-year, $120.4 million extension over the summer. Never one to shy away from the limelight, the supremely confident Gardner wasn't worried about a decline and instead had his eyes on a leadership role, one he ultimately wouldn't get.

However, over the first few weeks, he hasn't returned to the elite performance he displayed in his first two years. He's not at 2024's level either. In fact, the past two weeks, Gardner's performance has been downright bad. It's starting to get concerning.

The Jets should be concerned about Sauce Gardner's last two uncharacteristically bad outings

Against the Miami Dolphins in Week 4, Gardner got burned for a touchdown by the recently un-retired Darren Waller, a tight end who last played in 2023 for the New York Giants and had seen his body break down due to injuries suffered over the years. That's not exactly what you'd expect from a shutdown corner.

That wasn't the end of Gardner's struggles, either. The sometimes grabby corner was called for pass interference in the first half as well, and gave a pitiful excuse where he blamed the refs for calling more penalties on him because the Jets are a losing team. Not exactly the stuff leaders are made of.

Week 4, though, was actually an improvement for Gardner. He put up a career-worst 30.2 PFF coverage grade in Week 3 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which made his 47.9 mark against the Dolphins look good by comparison. Troublingly, this was the first time Gardner posted coverage grades below 50.0 in back-to-back weeks.

So far in 2025, Gardner has allowed a 94.0 passer rating against, ranking 36th out of 73 corners with at least 99 coverage snaps. His 15.1 snaps per reception show he's giving up far more catches than in the past and ranks as the 17th highest rate in the NFL thus far.

Gardner's allowing 14.1 yards per catch as well, showing that these aren't simply quick checkdowns for small gains that he's been giving up.

With so much of the defense struggling, the Jets need Gardner to play up to his customary standard of excellence now more than ever. If he can return to his previously elite level, he can help mask a lot of deficiencies, particularly with the pass rush that has struggled to generate consistent pressure and would benefit greatly from more stout coverage.

Simply put, Sauce Gardner has been average-at-best so far in 2025, and the Jets need a whole lot more from the lavishly-paid corner.

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