The New York Jets’ 2024 season proved to be a challenging campaign marked by on-field struggles and significant personnel turnover. After finishing with a 5-12 record and a third-place finish in the AFC East, the team’s turmoil was compounded by a revolving door of leadership changes.
The season saw quarterback Aaron Rodgers return from an Achilles tear to start in 2024, posting 3,897 passing yards with 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions while completing 63.0 percent of his passes—a performance that ultimately underscored the inconsistencies that led to his departure and subsequent signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Additionally, amid these struggles, head coach Robert Saleh was fired after a 2-3 start, leaving the organization searching for a new direction as frustration mounted both on and off the field. Yet, amid these setbacks, there emerged two bright spots that provided hope for a more promising future.
While the Jets wrestled with quarterback instability and coaching changes, Sauce Gardner and Garrett Wilson have consistently been stars for New York.
In a recent post, NFL insider Ian Rapoport said, “The Jets have been in contract talks with their young stars, Sauce Gardner and Garrett Wilson, and both could end up with huge deals around the same time.”
From The Insiders on @NFLNetwork: The #Jets have been in contract talks with their young stars, Sauce Gardner and Garrett Wilson, and both could end up with huge deals around the same time. pic.twitter.com/OZNYFZGcJ9
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 13, 2025
Rapoport elaborated on the situation on NFL Network saying, “Yeah, it certainly appears that when Sauce Gardner signs his new deal—and I really do expect the Jets to get this done at some point before the season—wouldn’t be surprised if he's the highest paid corner, or at least right there with Derek Stingley. This deal really shouldn’t be that difficult to do. He is a great player, one of the faces of their franchise. And I would also say this: because the Jets have several good young players, Garrett Wilson is also in line for an extension. Wouldn’t actually be surprised if the Jets do them at similar timing. They are both faces of this organization. They came in the same draft class. They are friends. It makes sense to do them at the same time.”
Gardner, 24, a product of Cincinnati and selected fourth overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, quickly established himself as one of the league’s premier cornerbacks. Garnering NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors along with two Pro Bowl nods and First-team All-Pro accolades, Gardner has been a cornerstone in the Jets’ secondary.
Similarly, Wilson, also 24 and an Ohio State standout picked 10th overall in 2022, has emerged as a consistent playmaker and reliable receiving option. Wilson, who was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, has recorded three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and continues to be the Jets’ top target.
As extension talks heat up, these deals could not only secure the futures of Gardner and Wilson but also signal a steadfast commitment to building around their young core—a bright prospect for Jets fans eager for a return to competitiveness.
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