Jets’ Delay in Extending Sauce Gardner May Prove Costly as Cornerback Market Resets
The New York Jets find themselves in a difficult position after a major shift in the cornerback market. While the team has been patient in negotiating a contract extension for star cornerback Sauce Gardner, a significant financial correction has taken place—one they could have anticipated.
On Monday, the Houston Texans finalized a groundbreaking three-year, $90 million contract with Derek Stingley Jr., including a staggering $89 million in guaranteed money. This deal has officially made Stingley the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history, setting a new benchmark for elite cornerbacks.
A Market Correction That Was Inevitable
The disparity between wide receiver and cornerback salaries has been evident for years. In August, the highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL was earning $34 million annually, while the top-paid cornerback was making just $21 million per year. Given the importance of shutdown corners in the modern game, it was only a matter of time before the market adjusted.
That correction finally occurred with Stingley’s deal, which now pays him $30 million per season—$5 million more than the previous record set by Jaycee Horn earlier this offseason.
For the Jets, this shift represents a major financial consequence. They had an opportunity to extend Gardner before these market-changing deals were signed. By waiting, they now face a situation where Gardner’s contract demands will undoubtedly exceed Stingley’s deal.
Stingley’s New Deal: Bad News for the Jets, Great News for Gardner
Stingley, selected third overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, has developed into one of the league’s premier cornerbacks. Although his rookie season was hampered by injuries, he emerged as a star in 2023, recording five interceptions in just 11 games. He followed that up with another five-interception campaign in 2024, earning first-team All-Pro honors.
His strong performances were reflected in his Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades, where he ranked fifth among 116 qualified cornerbacks with an overall grade of 80.4. His 84.4 PFF coverage grade was second-best in the league. These achievements helped justify his record-setting contract extension despite his early injury concerns.
However, while Stingley has proven himself as one of the best cornerbacks in the game, his résumé still falls short when compared to Gardner’s.
Sauce Gardner’s Dominance Demands an Even Bigger Payday
Gardner has already made history in the NFL, becoming the only cornerback to be named to first-team All-Pro in each of his first two seasons. Even in 2024—a season some considered a “down year”—he allowed the fewest catches (24) of any qualified cornerback in the league.
Gardner’s track record is undeniable. He has already been considered the best cornerback in the league for two seasons and still ranked among the top 10 in 2024. Stingley, while exceptional in 2024, does not have the same level of sustained dominance.
Because of this, Gardner’s next contract is likely to exceed Stingley’s record-setting deal. The Jets had a prime opportunity to secure their superstar corner at a more reasonable price before the market shifted. By waiting, they have ensured that Gardner will demand an even larger contract, making his eventual extension significantly more expensive.
Jets Face a Tough Financial Decision
The recent market shift puts the Jets in a position where they must now be prepared to pay a historic sum to keep Gardner. Given his dominance and consistency, he is poised to set a new standard for cornerback contracts.
The franchise had a chance to be proactive, but by hesitating, they now find themselves on the wrong side of a financial correction—one that will undoubtedly benefit Gardner when his time to sign arrives.