The dog days of the off-season are upon us. With the free agency frenzy crawling to a halt, teams are accessing their offseason thus far. Along with the Draft just weeks away, general managers are still working on contract extensions. The New York Jets are no exception. After news of wide receivers Tee Higgins & Ja’Marr Chase’s extensions with the Cincinnati Bengals, Jets fans hope that cornerback Sauce Gardner and wide receiver Garrett Wilson can cash in as well. However, despite pleas from the fanbase, those contracts are going to have to wait. While the franchise is committed to the two stars, the new regime led by general manager Darren Mougey is prioritizing the NFL Draft. Once the draft is complete, New York should have their franchise cornerstones locked in for years to come.
Report: New York Pause Star’s Extension Talks to Post NFL Draft
The NFL off-season is a time of change and reflection. Teams across the league are evaluating both their current roster and what routes they can take to improve long-term. The Buffalo Bills rewarded quarterback Josh Allen with a historic extension after capturing his first MVP. The Cleveland Browns conveyed star defensive end Myles Garrett’s trade request into a four-year extension. In addition, the Houston Texans gave cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. a three-year extension as well. Which will eventually impact the New York Jets.
Garrett Wilson and Sauce Gardner Extension Talks are on hold until after the NFL Draft
When Derek Stingley Jr was extended, he became the first top-five pick from the 2022 NFL Draft to sign a contract extension. As you recall, Stingley Jr was selected one pick before Sauce Gardner in the 2022 Draft. Once Stingley news broke, many assumed a Sauce Gardner extension would be on the way. Gardner has been sensational since arriving. With two first-team All-Pro honors and a defensive rookie of the year, Gardner has become one of the top defensive backs in the league. There is also hope for a new contract for fellow 2022 top-10 pick and star wide receiver Garrett Wilson. Wilson has had over 1,000 receiving yards each season of his career thus far. A staggering amount of production considering the team’s changes at HC, OC, and multiple QBs. Alas, fans will need to wait a little longer before these two get their well-earned raises.
As reported by Connor Hughes of SNY Sports, General manager Darren Mougey spoke with the press during the NFL League meetings this week. At the time, Mougey was earnest when the subject of the contract extensions was brought up. Admittedly, Mougey is focused on the NFL Draft and will open up extension talks later in the offseason. This stance is understandable from Mougey. While not ideal for fans, Mougey is entering his first off-season as GM. His goal is to bring the best young talent for head coach Aaron Glenn to work with. After securing a starting quarterback this offseason with Justin Fields, Mougey is determined to keep building. With recent projections showing either Penn State tight end Tyler Warren or Missouri offensive tackle Armand Membou being the pick at seventh overall, each would be an upgrade for New York.
Gardner and Wilson are worth the price
Although it will be a significant financial commitment just to two players, it’s worth it to keep Sauce Gardner and Garrett Wilson in New York. Despite talks of regression, Sauce Gardner is still an elite defensive back. While fans will look at a lack of interceptions, that has less to do with Gardner’s skill and more to do with quarterbacks avoiding throwing in his direction. But when they do throw, Gardner can affect the play, leading to incompletions or drops. Some may scoff at the idea of Sauce Gardner getting more money than Stingley. However, considering Stingley’s injury history and Sauce doing things only Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott had achieved, it’s worth the investment.
The same goes for Garrett Wilson. In the NFL, consistency and routine are a wide receiver’s best friend. Unfortunately, that is something New York lacked. Since arriving in New York, Wilson has played for two head coaches, three offensive coordinators, and over five starting quarterbacks. This lack of foundation would shake any young wide receiver. But that hasn’t stopped Wilson. While dealing with a tumultuous relationship with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Wilson recorded over 100 catches for the first time in his career in 2024. Now, he is reunited with his former Ohio State quarterback and a visionary offensive coordinator in Tanner Engstrand. Still years from his prime, Wilson could make any future extension look like a bargain if it succeeds in this rebuild.
Main Photo: [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union] – USA Today Sports
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