Sauce Gardner Signs $120.4 Million Extension With Jets, Becomes NFL’s Highest-Paid Cornerback

On Tuesday, July 15, 2025, the New York Jets and cornerback Sauce Gardner agreed to a four-year contract extension worth $120.4 million, according to NFL Network. The deal includes $60 million in guarantees. The agreement keeps Gardner under contract with the Jets through the 2030 season.

With an average annual value of $30.1 million, Gardner becomes the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history. The previous highest average annual salary at the position was held by Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., at $30 million.

The next highest-paid cornerbacks, based on average annual value, are Jaycee Horn of the Carolina Panthers at $25 million, Jalen Ramsey of the Pittsburgh Steelers at $24.1 million, and Patrick Surtain II of the Denver Broncos at $24 million.

Gardner confirmed the contract extension in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, writing, “THE DEAL IS DONE📝 this only the beginning. my brother @allantegardner bts & @ajv got it done. I appreciate the Jets organization for believing in me, my teammates for the blood, sweat, & tears we put in, and JETS NATION… I appreciate y’all supporting me💚 Thank you GOD🥀”

Term update: Jets and CB Sauce Gardner reached the agreement on a four-year deal that ties him to the team for the next six seasons, through 2030. It’s the same structure and length as Garrett Wilson’s deal Monday. Gardner’s deal includes $60 million guaranteed. pic.twitter.com/nEIvhG5yZu

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 15, 2025

Gardner was selected by the New York Jets with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Cincinnati.

In the 2022 NFL season, Gardner recorded two interceptions and led the NFL with 20 passes defended. He was named Defensive Rookie of the Year, selected to the Pro Bowl, and earned first-team All-Pro honors.

In the 2023 season, Gardner was again named first-team All-Pro and selected to the Pro Bowl.

In the 2024 season, Gardner played in 15 games, recording one interception and nine passes defended. He was not selected for the Pro Bowl and did not receive All-Pro honors that season.

Despite his accolades, Gardner has not yet emerged as one of the top-listed contenders in the 2025 Defensive Player of the Year futures betting market. Leading the field are Aidan Hutchinson at +650, Micah Parsons at +750, and Myles Garrett at +850. Patrick Surtain II, another top cornerback, is listed at +1300, while Gardner remains off the immediate board.

According to Action Network, Gardner is listed as “out” with a hamstring injury.

Reported on Monday, July 14, 2025, the Jets have also reached an agreement with wide receiver Garrett Wilson on a four-year, $130 million extension, according to NFL Network. Like Gardner, Wilson was a first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.

As of earlier in the 2025 offseason, Action Network listed the Jets at +1700 odds to win the Super Bowl. Updated odds for the 2025 season have not been posted.

Gardner’s four-year, $120.4 million extension includes $60 million in guarantees and matches the four-year length of Wilson’s deal. Both contracts are structured to keep the players with the Jets through the 2030 season.