New York Jets star cornerback Sauce Gardner had an admirable gesture for one of his teammates after he agreed to a massive contract extension last week.
News surfaced last Tuesday that Gardner had agreed to a 4-year, $120.4 million extension with the Jets. The contract made Gardner the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history.
A day prior, the Jets signed star wide receiver Garrett Wilson to a new 4-year, $130 million deal. Both Wilson and Garrett were first-round picks in 2022, and New York signed the players to extensions on back-to-back days.
Or maybe not.
As it turns out, Gardner agreed to his extension with the Jets on the same day that Garrett signed. Gardner said on Tuesday that he kept his deal under wraps at first because he did not want to take any attention away from his teammate.
This is pretty cool from Sauce Gardner:
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) July 22, 2025
He said he got his contract the same day as Garrett Wilson, however he didn’t want to sign it.
Not because of money, GTD, years.
He wanted Garrett to have his day. He wasn’t going to steal any attention.
So he waited, then signed. pic.twitter.com/H177jRzDEj
The gesture may seem insignificant, but Wilson likely appreciated it.
The Jets drafted Gardner with the No. 4 pick in 2022 and Wilson six picks later at No. 10. Both players have already established themselves as two of the best in the NFL at their respective positions.
Gardner was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2022. The former Cincinnati star also made the Pro Bowl in 2022 and 2023 and was named a First-team All-Pro both years.
Wilson has had more than 1,000 yards receiving in each of his first three NFL seasons. He set career highs last season with 101 catches, 1,104 yards and 7 touchdowns.
