Today, the New York Jets made an important long-term commitment to their future. The team wisely agreed to a new contract for their superstar cornerback. With head coach Aaron Glenn, a fellow first-round pick defensive back, he offers a great perspective to help this superstar grow. After achieving so much as one of the league’s best cornerbacks, star Ahmad ‘Sauce’ Gardner is ready to solidify himself among the league’s best with this new contract. The star cornerback will sign a four-year extension with the Jets valued at $120 million, including $90 million guaranteed. The contract comes days after fellow 2022 first-round pick, Garrett Wilson, was also extended by the team. The 2022 Rookie of the Year is prepared to win in New York during this new contract extension. With a new contract and the leadership of new head coach Aaron Glenn, Sauce Gardner is ready to prove he’s elite.
The four-year extension is worth an average of $30.1 million per year. https://t.co/lcOrEThzva
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 15, 2025
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Report: Rookie of the Year Cornerback and NY Jets Agree to New Long-Term Contract Extension
In 2022, the New York Jets made a big commitment under general manager Joe Douglas. With the fourth overall draft pick, New York selected a talented cornerback out of the University of Cincinnati. A consensus All-American in his final year of school, this defensive back had star potential written all over him. As a result, the New York Jets fanbase got their first look at Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner and haven’t been disappointed yet.
During his rookie season, Gardner was lighting the league on fire. He finished 2022 with 75 tackles, three tackles-for-loss, and two interceptions. Due to this tremendous production, Gardner captured the Defensive Rookie of the Year award with ease. In addition, was named first-team All-Pro, becoming the first rookie to make First Team All-Pro since San Francisco 49ers legend Ronnie Lott in 1981.
Gardner’s production continued to impress in 2023. With 41 solo tackles, two TFLs, and a forced fumble, Gardner finished with another First Team All-Pro honor. As a result, Gardner is the only cornerback to begin his career with back-to-back First-Team All-Pro selections. While he couldn’t continue the trend in 2024, Sauce was productive, achieving his first interception since his rookie season.
Room to grow?
While already among the league’s best, there’s reason to believe Gardner has yet to play his best football. Although Robert Saleh is gone in New York, new head coach Aaron Glenn is the perfect mentor for the superstar. Like Gardner, Glenn was the Jets first-round pick in 1994. The former three-time Pro Bowl cornerback was among the league’s best in his day. His experience between his playing days and his work for the New Orleans Saints with Marshon Lattimore’s development and Kerby Joseph on the Detroit Lions is big for Gardner. Through Aaron Glenn’s wisdom, Gardner could turn into an even more efficient player. Between his new head coach and his fellow 2022 Rookie of the Year in Garrett Wilson, Sauce Gardner wants to help turn the Jets into a winner. By any means necessary.
Main Photo: [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union] – USA Today Sports
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