New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner needs to stay round for the long run, hoping he generally is a catalyst for a dramatic turnaround. It seems like that want will come to fruition.
The 2 sides are engaged in contract discussions, in line with Gardner.
“My predominant focus has been being the perfect soccer participant I could be, however my crew and the Jets have been speaking and, you realize, I really feel fairly good about how the talks have been going,” he stated Thursday on the conclusion of the crew’s necessary minicamp.
Gardner, 24, a two-time All-Professional and the 2022 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Yr, stated it was vital for him to be at minicamp.
“Man, I simply wished to indicate my teammates, present my coaches how a lot I am purchased into this now,” he stated. “I wish to win. I wish to change the group. I wish to be part of altering the group.”
Gardner’s fifth-year possibility was exercised in Might, so he has two years remaining on his rookie contract.
The Jets by no means have prolonged a former first-round decide after three seasons, however new normal supervisor Darren Mougey has talked about locking up their prime younger gamers. They’re additionally in talks with fourth-year extensive receiver Garrett Wilson, one other 2022 first-round alternative.
Houston Texans star Derek Stingley, Jr., drafted No. 3 total in 2022 (one spot forward of Gardner), raised the ceiling for corners earlier this offseason with a three-year, $90 million extension.
Gardner declined to say whether or not he needs to surpass Stingley because the highest-paid nook.
“I do not actually wish to get into the numbers,” he stated.
In Gardner’s first three seasons, the Jets compiled a 19-32 document, which led to an organizational reboot. He praised Mougey and new coach Aaron Glenn, himself a former nook who performed with the Jets from 1994 to 2001.
“I really feel like they’re doing an important job and altering the tradition for certain,” Gardner stated.
Gardner and Wilson have been a part of a blockbuster 2022 draft class, which additionally included defensive finish Jermaine Johnson (first spherical) and operating again Breece Corridor (second spherical). Johnson missed 15 video games final season with a torn Achilles, however his fifth-year possibility was exercised. Corridor is coming into the ultimate 12 months of his contract.
The Jets count on a giant 12 months out of Gardner.
“He is one of many prime corners within the league, however that consistency of being that dominant participant every week, that is what we’re in search of,” defensive coordinator Steve Wilks stated. “That is been his problem this offseason.”
