Rapper Fats Joe famously mentioned in 2022, “Yesterday’s price is not today’s price.”
That couldn’t be extra true when speaking about NFL contract extensions.
Each cornerback Sauce Gardner and extensive receiver Garrett Wilson are eligible for contract extensions for the primary time as a result of they’re getting into their fourth seasons within the league. Nonetheless, the Jets have a brand new brass this offseason normally supervisor Darren Mougey and coach Aaron Glenn.
On the NFL Scouting Mix final month, Mougey appeared open to extending Gardner and Wilson.
“I’m just excited those guys are on the roster,” Mougey mentioned. “Two young good players, talented players, excited they’re part of the roster.
“The to-do list is to keep good young players on the team and add good players.”
Nonetheless, it doesn’t seem that extending Gardner and Wilson is a precedence in the intervening time, which is comprehensible. Mougey and Glenn are attempting to enhance a Jets workforce that completed 5-12 final season and one which hasn’t made the playoffs since 2010.
AP Photograph/Seth Wenig
New York Jets’ Garrett Wilson runs a route throughout an NFL soccer sport towards the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photograph/Seth Wenig)
However the longer the Jets wait, the extra the price of doing enterprise will proceed to extend.
Per week in the past, Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn turned the highest-paid defensive again in NFL historical past after receiving a four-year, $100 million contract extension, together with $70 million assured. His contract’s annual worth will common $25 million per season and will attain $108 million with incentives.
It solely took every week for Horn’s contract to be already topped.
On Monday morning, cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. and the Texans agreed to a three-year, $90 million extension on Monday, in line with a number of stories. The deal contains $89 million assured, in line with ESPN.
Mougey didn’t say when the Jets would possibly prolong Gardner and Wilson, however they need to sooner reasonably than later. Most organizations normally aren’t fast to pay a prime cornerback and a younger ascending extensive receiver following their third season. However clearly, instances have modified within the NFL.
Gardner has made it no secret that he needs to be a part of the Jets’ resolution and assist the workforce finish its dreaded playoff drought.
Throughout his three seasons within the league, Gardner has undoubtedly made the case for changing into the highest-paid cornerback in NFL historical past after changing into a first-team All-Professional throughout his first two seasons. Former Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor and Cowboys move rusher Micah Parsons are the one different defensive gamers to perform that.
Gardner additionally received the 2022 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Yr Award and was named to 2 consecutive Professional Bowls. However, the 2024 season was a down season for Gardner’s requirements. He registered 49 tackles, 9 move breakups, and one interception after battling a hamstring damage late within the yr.
The most important challenge for Gardner final season was his tackling. He had a missed sort out charge of 17.5%, in line with Professional Soccer Focus, rating him eightieth out of 96 certified cornerbacks. Gardner additionally dedicated 11 penalties after solely 5 throughout his first two seasons.
Every time the Jets prolong Gardner, he’ll doubtless develop into the highest-paid cornerback. However coming off a down 2024 season might complicate Gardner’s contract extension. Horn and Stingley had been each coming off Professional Bowl and All-Professional choices respectfully after their extensions.
Final yr, Mougey was the Broncos’ assistant common supervisor after they prolonged cornerback Patrick Surtain II (four-year, $96 million) final September. Surtain went on to win the 2024 NFL Defensive Participant of the Yr award.
“Obviously, my standard that I got for myself and set for myself is on a different level. It’s just me being my biggest critic,” Gardner mentioned following the top of final season. “My season this year, is not at my standard, but it would be an elite season depending on who you are talking about. I had a lot of missed tackles and I’m going to clean that up this offseason.”
The price of doing enterprise by way of extending extensive receivers has additionally elevated not too long ago after the Bengals receivers’ extensions.
Ja’Marr Chase agreed to a four-year, $161 million deal that features $112 million assured, in line with Fox Sports activities. Tee Higgins additionally agreed to a four-year, $115 million contract assured for the primary two seasons.
Wilson has been an excellent receiver throughout his first three seasons. He has averaged 93 receptions, 1,083 yards, and 5 touchdowns throughout his time with the Jets. However he isn’t thought-about one of many league’s prime 5 to 10 receivers, which might be why negotiations take longer along with his extension.
The Jets have safety with each Gardner and Wilson as a result of they may doubtless train their fifth-year choices by the Might 1 deadline. That features move rusher Jermaine Johnson, who was additionally chosen within the first spherical of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Gardner and Wilson’s extensions will doubtless be accomplished finally. However it’s only a matter of how a lot they may value the Jets ultimately.
Initially Revealed: March 17, 2025 at 11:45 AM EDT
