The New York Jets are ensuring a key ingredient isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
On Tuesday, the team agreed to a four-year, $120.4 million extension to keep Sauce Gardner in town. The extension makes Gardner the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history.
The star cornerback has been everything the Jets could’ve asked for and more since being drafted fourth overall in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Following in the footsteps of players like Darrelle Revis, it was no easy task for the young corner. Gardner may not have an island like Revis – at least one named after him – but the two-time All-Pro has blossomed into a star in his own right.
Named the 2022 Defensive Rookie of the Year, Gardner has been patiently waiting for his opportunity to sign a big-money contract extension. He has watched as peers like Derek Stingley Jr. and Jaycee Horn reset the market for defensive backs.
Unlike other players seeking contracts, Gardner participated in the Jets’ offseason activities. The fourth-year pro is eager to be part of the solution in New York, hoping to lead the Jets back to the postseason for the first time since 2010.
It comes as no surprise that ‘Gang Green’ rewarded their star in a big way. Here’s a look at where Gardner ranks on the list of highest-paid defensive backs.
NFL highest-paid defensive backs
Here’s a look at the top 10 highest-paid defensive backs in terms of AAV, according to Spotrac.
Sauce Gardner, New York Jets: $30.1 million
Derek Stingley Jr., Houston Texans: $30 million
Jaycee Horn, Carolina Panthers: $25 million
Jalen Ramsey, Pittsburgh Steelers: $24.1 million
Patrick Surtain II, Denver Broncos: $24 million
Kerby Joseph, Detroit Lions: $21.5 million
Antoine Winfield Jr., Tampa Bay Buccaneers: $21.02 million
A.J. Terrell, Atlanta Falcons: $20.25 million
Denzel Ward, Cleveland Browns: $20.1 million
Marshon Lattimore, Washington Commanders: $19.52 million