NY Jets’ stars speak out after massive contract news

The New York Jets will open their first training camp under new head coach Aaron Glenn without major distractions.

They accomplished that goal in the last 48 hours.

With the long-term extension agreements to All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner (four years, $120.4 million) and wide receiver Garrett Wilson (four years, $130 million), the Jets have agreed to terms with the two building blocks of their roster.

Glenn and the Jets front office acknowledged Gardner and Wilson as those building blocks for the future. Each player has quickly become one of the best at their respective positions.

And both are ecstatic to be members of the Jets for years to come.

Jets’ Stars Speak Out

It was Wilson who struck gold first with New York on Monday. His average annual salary of $32.5 million pushed him into the top five highest-paid players at receiver.

Following the deal, Wilson was over the moon about being a member of the Jets until 2030, something considered a longshot at one point during the later portion of the 2024 season.

The former Ohio State product is thrilled to continue his work in Florham Park.

“Yup, Jets green has been running through me since the day they drafted me,” Wilson said in a tweet. “Despite the ups and downs, the faith is mutual… that means the world to me. Excited to start a new version of the chase next week.”

During the final weeks of the 2024 season, Wilson’s frustrations with the Jets had seemingly grown to the point where several reports circulated that the former Offensive Rookie of the Year would request a trade during the offseason.

With the hiring of Glenn as head coach and the free agent signing of Wilson’s college quarterback, Justin Fields, the organization got its star receiver back in line.

One player who was unwavering in his commitment to the Jets, even despite the struggles last season, was Gardner. The former fourth overall pick and first defensive back to be named a first-team All-Pro in each of his first two years in the league signed a $120 million deal.

As expected, the $30.1 annual average made him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history.

Like Wilson, Gardner was thankful for the Jets’ continued belief in him and is ready for the challenge of turning New York into a winner.

“THE DEAL IS DONE… this only the beginning,” Gardner said. “I appreciate the Jets organization for believing in me, my teammates for the blood, sweat, & tears we put in, and JETS NATION… I appreciate y’all supporting me…Thank you GOD.”

Gardner and Wilson have been together since Gang Green drafted them with their first draft picks in 2022. Over their first three seasons, each set records in team history and was worthy of the long-term extensions they were given.

Now, it’s up to both players to take that next step as high-paid leaders in the locker room.

That is the natural stage for building block players in an organization like the Jets.