Sauce Gardner and the New York Jets have agreed to terms on a contract extension that makes him the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL.
Sauce Gardner Inks New Deal
THE DEAL IS DONEš 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 meš Thank you GODš„ pic.twitter.com/1qsiT3Xga3
— SAUCE GARDNER (@iamSauceGardner) July 15, 2025
The Jets’ shutdown corner will be terrorizing receivers at MetLife for the foreseeable future.
Per NFL Network, Gardner is signing a four-year, $120.4 million contract extension to remain with the Jets. The deal includes $60 million guaranteed.
Gardner had two years remaining on his rookie contract, including his fifth-year option in 2026 at $20.2 million.
Gardner’s new contract carries an average of $30.1 million, making him the highest-paid CB in the NFL, a title previously held by Houston’s Derek Stingley Jr. with $30 million.
Gardner posted the news on X, saying, “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.”
The deal comes one day after the Jets signed Garrett Wilson to a four-year, $130 million contract extension, with $90 million guaranteed. The duo is now signed through 2030.
Gardner and Wilson were both selected by the Jets in the 2022 NFL Draft, with the former at No. 4 and the latter at No. 10.
They become the Jets’ first two former first-round picks to sign extensions after three years under the NFL’s current financial system (since 2011).
Gardner has been one of the best cornerbacks in the league since stepping on the field as a rookie. Gardner won the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award and made the First-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl teams.
Gardner repeated the success in year two with another First-Team All-Pro selection and Pro Bowl honor.
Gardner has 181 tackles, 40 passes defensed, and three interceptions in three seasons with the Jets.
The #Jets and All-Pro Sauce Gardner have agreed to terms on a massive four-year, $120.4 million extension, making him the NFLās highest-paid CB at $30.1M per year, sources tell The Insiders.
Gardnerās team, agent @ajv and @allantegardner of @vaynersports, negotiated the deal. pic.twitter.com/yy5HpGg57J
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 15, 2025
Top 10 Highest-Paid NFL Cornerbacks In 2025
Player
Team
Annual Salary
Sauce Gardner
NYJ
$30.1 million
Derek Stingley Jr.
HOU
$30 million
Jaycee Horn
CAR
$25 million
Jalen Ramsey
PIT
$24.1 million
Patrick Surtain II
DEN
$24 million
A.J. Terrell
ATL
$20.25 million
Denzel Ward
CLE
$20.1 million
Marshon Lattimore
WSH
$19.52 million
Marlon Humphrey
BAL
$19.5 million
Trevon DiggsĀ
DAL
$19.4 million
Via Spotrac
Gardner is now the highest-paid corner in the league, edging out Stingley. The Houston cornerback signed his three-year, $90 million extension earlier this offseason.
Gardner and Stingley are the only two defensive backs to earn a yearly average of $30 million.
Carolina’s Jaycee Horn is third on the list with an average of $25 million. Pittsburgh’s Jalen Ramsey ($24.1 million) and Denver’s Patrick Surtain II ($24 million) round out the top five.
