PALM BEACH, Fla. – It’s not happening yet. That’s fine. The Jets want to get through the draft first. Once they do, GMDarren Mougeysaid, they’ll talk to representatives of Sauce Gardnerand Garrett Wilson about contract extensions.
Those conversations shouldn’t take long. Neither should whatever process follows.
The Jets goal: Find good, young players. Then keep those good, young players.
Gardner and Wilson aren’t good. They’re great.
Take care of them now.
“Dynamic” was the word head coach Aaron Glenn used to describe Wilson. There might not be a better one. He’s developed himself into one of the league’s best receivers ever since the Jets drafted him 10th overall in 2022. Three years he’s played in the NFL. Three years he’s been a 1,000-yard wideout. He set career-highs last season in catches (101), yards (1,104), and touchdowns (seven).
He’s done it all without the slightest semblance of stability at the quarterback position. He’s caught passes from eight quarterbacks in his career. He’s played in two different offenses.
There was tension between Wilson and the Jets after 2024. Understandably so. He clashed with some coaches (the last staff). He and Aaron Rodgers never saw eye-to-eye. Wilson is among the most passionate players within that locker room. It’s not about money with him. It’s about winning. The incessant losing engulfing this franchise like a plague since his arrival took its toll. He never officially requested a trade, but many externally, and some internally, felt it was inevitable.
There’s an easy way to keep that from happening: Commit. Wilson is willing to commit to the Jets if they’re willing to commit to him. Glenn said he’s talked several times with Wilson. He believes, now, he’s in a good place.
The hard thing with Wilson is finding the appropriate compensation. That horrible quarterback play he’s dealt with is the primary reason he’s not viewed in the same class as Justin Jefferson (four years, $140 million) or Ja’Marr Chase (four years, $161 million). The Jets need to find the number that’s fair but doesn’t offend, rewards but doesn’t overpay.
They find that by determining where amongst the league’s hierarchy he falls. Top 10? Top seven? Top five? Three league sources SNY touched base with estimated Wilson ultimately lands a deal within $25 to $30 million annually.
Gardner is different. He’s a two-time, First-Team All-Pro. He didn’t play to the same level last season – he’ll admit that. Those struggles are a bit blown out of proportion. Quarterbacks threw at Gardner 47 times in 2024. They completed 25 (53.2 percent) for 391 yards. He allowed just one touchdown. Jaycee Horn, who just signed a four-year, $100-million extension with the Panthers, allowed a 54.4 completion rate, 418 yards, and five touchdowns last year.
Glenn said he expects him to return to an elite-level in 2025. He can be, by Glenn’s admission, “the best cornerback” in the NFL.
There was a run this offseason of cornerbacks resetting the market. First came Horn, then Derek Stingley (three years, $90 million). Gardner will, and should, exceed that. Not just for what he brings to the Jets on the field (a top-tier player at a premium position), but off it. Gardner is a leader in the locker room, force in the community, and a culture setter.
You invest in players like that because the investment will return tenfold.
So why wait?
Both Gardner and Wilson are eligible for their extensions now.
Get it done.
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