Sauce Gardner just became the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history. But NFL executives are questioning whether the New York Jets made a massive mistake.
The timing couldn’t be more awkward. Gardner signed his four-year, $120.4 million extension in July, right as league insiders started openly criticizing his 2024 performance. Now the Jets are committed to paying elite money for a player some evaluators don’t even consider top-10 at his position.
Why Are NFL Executives Questioning Sauce Gardner’s Record Contract?
Gardner’s $120.4 million deal represents the largest contract ever for a cornerback, with the Jets locking him up through 2030. The deal includes $85 million in guaranteed compensation and sets a new benchmark for the position. Gardner signed the deal shortly after reporting to training camp, vowing to justify the organization’s investment.
However, that commitment comes amid sharp criticism from around the league. In ESPN’s 2025 cornerback rankings, Gardner fell to No. 5 overall, a notable drop from his prior top-three standing. At least one NFL evaluator left him out of the top 10 altogether.
Sauce Gardner became the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history on Tuesday 💰
Here’s a look at the highest-paid CBs on a per year basis ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/FAJJ8rdgB7
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) July 16, 2025
The ranking drop triggered pointed reactions from league insiders. A veteran AFC personnel evaluator told ESPN, “Needs a bounce-back year in 2025. Lots of missed tackles and penalties, and didn’t make many plays last year. Too much, too soon, and thought the NFL was easy.”
Another NFL defensive coach was even more direct: “I like his game, really good feet, long, good at the catch point — but he was getting put in conversations that I didn’t think were legitimate or fair. When I watch the film, I see a top‑10 cornerback. I don’t see the top three.”
What Do Gardner’s 2024 Statistics Reveal About His Struggles?
The numbers paint a troubling picture for a player who just reset the cornerback market. Despite entering 2024 with lofty expectations, Gardner’s production dipped noticeably across multiple categories.
Gardner recorded just one interception and allowed five touchdown receptions, a significant jump from his dominant start in the league. He also committed 10 penalties, including multiple defensive pass interference flags that extended opponent drives and put his defense in compromising positions.
The regression extended beyond basic statistics. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Gardner’s coverage grade dropped from 90.8 in 2023 to 73.1 in 2024, a decline of nearly 18 points.
Meanwhile, his missed-tackle rate soared to 17.5%, resulting in roughly 11 missed tackles, the second-highest among qualifying cornerbacks. Analysts flagged his aggressive approach in man coverage, which often led to defensive pass interference and holding calls, undermining his overall discipline and effectiveness.
Can Gardner Return to His Elite Form in 2025?
Despite the concerning trends, Gardner still possesses the physical tools that made him special. Standing 6’3″, he boasts elite arm length, fluid footwork, and ball skills that few cornerbacks can match. He earned All-Pro honors in both 2022 and 2023 and was named 2022 Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Through his first two seasons, he allowed just two touchdowns in total, establishing his elite early-career performance level. That track record suggests the talent remains, even if the execution faltered in 2024.
For a Jets defense that ranked top-five in total defense in 2024 but faltered in critical moments, Gardner’s rebound becomes essential for any playoff aspirations. The organization’s front office is betting heavily on the expectation that Gardner will reclaim his elite form and justify their record investment.
The pressure is now squarely on Gardner to prove the critics wrong and show he can perform at the level his contract demands.