Key Takeaways:
– Sauce Gardner is expected to sign a new five-year deal worth $110 million with the New York Jets next off-season.
– If projections are correct, Gardner will surpass Jaire Alexander to become the new highest-paid corner in NFL history.
– Despite criticism of his lack of turnovers, Gardner’s recent performance suggests an immense potential and a thriving career.
– The deal would also set new franchise records in terms of total value and total guarantees.
Impending Record-Busting Salary for the Jets’ Corner
New York Jets’ Sauce Gardner, currently ineligible for a contract extension until next off-season according to the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), is predicted to become the highest-paid cornerback in the National Football League (NFL). Notably, the young star’s anticipated monumental pay rise will not only have Gardner leapfrogging Green Bay Packers’ Jaire Alexander as the new highest-paid corner, but also setting several franchise records for the Jets.
Prominent sports commentator Maurice Moton of Bleacher Report projects that the 23-year-old will sign a five-year contract for $110 million, with $75 million in guaranteed payments. This potential contract sets Gardner apart from previous record-holder Jaire Alexander, who holds the top spot at $21 million per year.
Gardner’s Expectations and Performance
Besides the projected jaw-dropping contract figures, Gardner’s track record is commendable considering his age and experience in the NFL. As the first cornerback to earn All-Pro honors in his first two seasons since the historic AFL/NFL merger, the Cincinnati prodigy highlighted a reputable playing trajectory that only adds anticipation for his on-field deliverables in the coming years.
A point of criticism for the top pick in the 2022 NFL Draft is his low count of turnovers, with only two interceptions in his initial two seasons, both in his rookie year. Nevertheless, Gardner’s on-the-field defensive prowess does not go unnoticed. As Moton adds, “While skeptics can nitpick his lack of takeaways, no other NFL cornerback has been more accomplished than him in a short period. He seems well on his way to a decorated career.”
A Boost for Jets’ Franchise Records
Quinnen Williams currently holds the title of the highest-paid player in Jets history from last off-season’s $96 million extension over four years. This extension set a new franchise record in total value ($96 million), total guarantees ($66 million) and annual worth ($24 million).
However, the anticipated Gardner deal is set to shatter these records. Upcoming projections place Gardner’s contract value at $110 million – a new franchise record in total value and total guarantees ($75 million). At only 24 years old, there are high expectations for Gardner to bring a significant turn of fortune to the Jets and to establish himself as a key player in the franchise.
Maximizing Opportunities for Growth
While the Jets’ corner has faced criticisms, largely due to his lack of turnovers, statistics indicate that opposing teams tend to avoid throwing the ball his way. He was targeted only 51 times in the past season, placing him at 81st in the NFL according to Pro-Football Focus data.
Nevertheless, Gardner’s performance and defensive skills underline his potential for further growth in the NFL. As he heads into negotiation for a possible contract extension, Gardner’s main challenge will be to make the best of opportunities heading his way and to prove his critics wrong.