Sauce Gardner

Jets GM Darren Mougey says the team will exercise the fifth-year option on Sauce Gardner.

Nothing is official yet, but this doesn’t come as a surprise. Gardner is arguably the top corner in the league, and the Jets have long been expected to pick up his fifth-year rookie option as they look to move closer to a long-term extension with the former No. 4 overall pick. Through three seasons, Gardner has totaled three interceptions and 31 pass breakups, per PFF, while allowing just three receiving touchdowns over that span. A true definition of a shutdown corner, the Jets’ decision to pick up Gardner’s fifth-year option would keep him on a rookie deal through the 2026 season, but it will also come with a $20.1 million cap hit next year.