The 2022 NFL Draft featured one of the best draft hauls in recent memory for the New York Jets. With two picks in the first round, both of which came in the Top 10, the Jets selected cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner fourth overall, then grabbed Ohio State receiver Garrett Wilson with the tenth overall selection.
Since then, both players have proven to be among the NFL’s elite. Wilson has started his career off with three consecutive seasons of at least 1,000 receiving yards, much like future Hall of Famer Mike Evans, and Gardner has already won two All-Pro awards and is listed as the top cornerback by Pro Football Focus.
Now, after three seasons, both are eligible for contract extensions and the Jets are hoping to get both deals done simultaneously, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport.
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
This is a no-brainer for the Jets organization. Both Gardner and Wilson could serve as young cornerstones for a contending roster, if they continue to build it the right way. And so far, that seems to be what is happening with their offseason decisions.
First, they hired one of the most highly respected coaches in the league, former Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, to get their vaunted defense back into shape and build a winning culture. Then they signed quarterback Justin Fields to a low risk/high reward contract, one that gives them an out next year if Fields doesn’t play well but an opportunity to sign him again if he exceeds expectations.
They’ve also reinforced the offensive line, which will be critical for giving Justin Fields a fair shot at proving himself and also rejuvenate the running game. Now they’re getting ready to lock in the team’s two best players to well-deserved contract extensions.
If all goes well for the Jets, the signing of Wilson and Gardner to huge deals could mark the opening of their Super Bowl window.
