He talks the talk and locks down the league’s best—and Sauce Gardner is getting paid accordingly. Since arriving in New York Jets as a top-five pick, the cornerback has lived up to every expectation.
With elite coverage skills and Pro Bowl swagger, he has quickly become the team’s most valuable asset on defense. His rookie deal, though fixed under NFL rules, still reflects his star status and draft pedigree.
But as his reputation grows and the Jets double down on their playoff ambitions, his contract is drawing more attention. His current earnings offer a glimpse into what his future payday could look like.
What is Sauce Gardner’s salary with the New York Jets?
In a move that sent ripples across the NFL, the New York Jets have made Sauce Gardner the highest-paid cornerback in league history, signing him to a four-year extension worth $120.4 million. The deal averages $30.1 million per year, narrowly surpassing the previous record held by Texans’ Derek Stingley Jr.
The contract includes $60 million in guaranteed money, a figure that underscores the Jets’ confidence in his ability to anchor their defense for years to come. This salary leap is not just a reward for past performance, it’s a bet on his continued dominance in the secondary.
Drafted fourth overall in 2022, he quickly proved his worth. He earned Defensive Rookie of the Year honors, followed by two consecutive All-Pro selections and Pro Bowl appearances. His ability to neutralize top receivers has made him a cornerstone of the Jets’ defensive strategy.
The timing of the deal is also notable. It came just one day after the Jets extended wide receiver Garrett Wilson, signaling a broader strategy to lock down their young stars. His salary now places him among the NFL’s elite earners, and it reflects a shift in how franchises value shutdown corners in a pass-heavy league.
Sauce Gardner’s contract: How long will he be with the Jets?
Sauce Gardner’s new contract ensures he’ll be wearing green and white through at least the 2030 NFL season. The extension builds on his rookie deal, which included a fifth-year option for 2026, meaning he is now under contract for six more seasons.
This long-term commitment is a departure from the Jets’ historical approach. Prior to him and Wilson, the franchise had rarely extended first-round picks early in their eligibility window. The new regime—led by head coach Aaron Glenn and GM Darren Mougey—is clearly taking a more proactive stance.
The structure of his deal also gives the Jets some flexibility. While the first two years of the extension are fully guaranteed, the final years could be restructured depending on performance and cap space. That said, the message is clear: He is not just a star, he’s a foundational piece of the Jets’ future.