Latest NFL news puts millions of dollars into Sauce Gardner's pocket

Everyone knew how good Sauce Gardner, the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year, was coming into 2023. But, there's always that chance of a drop-off after hitting the ground running the way he did. 

Well, there hasn't been any inkling of a sophomore slump. Gardner has played just as well, if not better, than he did last year. And, he's been awarded a second straight Pro Bowl nod, as a result. 

He and defensive teammate, Quinnen Williams were the two New York Jets on the initial roster for the 2024 Pro Bowl. 

Gardner "maxes out" rookie contract with second Pro Bowl selection

Rookies have the opportunity to earn pay raises during their first three years in the league. Depending on where they were drafted and which thresholds they met, said raises can add up to millions of dollars.

It's all through the NFL's Proven Performance Escalator program. Gardner is a first-round pick, therefore, Pro Bowl selections are how he can get a pay raise. If a first-rounder makes the Pro Bowl once in the first three years, then their fifth-year salary will equal the transition tag for that season. If they make two or more, then they qualify for the equivalent of the franchise tag. 

It's really difficult to give an accurate projection for 2026, when Gardner's pay bump comes through, but Over The Cap currently has it around $3.5 million, which makes sense. There's a chance it gets even higher if the overall salary cap continues to grow. 

It's well-deserved and the second-year player gives the Jets a building block during a time in which they need all the foundational pieces they can get.