The New York Jets have been busy this offseason, making bold moves to reshape their roster and set the stage for a more competitive 2025 campaign. With a new defensive-minded head coach and a significant shift at quarterback, the Jets are looking to turn the page on their recent struggles.
While the depth chart for the 2025 season is starting to take shape, the long-term roster remains in flux. Two of their biggest stars, wide receiver Garrett Wilson and cornerback Sauce Gardner, are entering the final year of their rookie contracts. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, there is possible movement in that regard.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler Shares Encouraging Update on Garrett Wilson and Sauce Gardner’s Contract Situation
Appearing on ESPN’s SportsCenter, Fowler shared an optimistic update on where things stand between the Jets and two of their franchise cornerstones.
“I’m told they’ve had some preliminary talks, exchanged some numbers … so they’ve got five to six weeks to see if they can come to an agreement before training camp,” said Fowler.
Minicamp roundup on @SportsCenter
-J.J. McCarthy progress, #Vikings’ three-year plan
-Daniel Jones makes most of extra reps
-What’s next for McLaurin, Wilson, Sauce deals
-Browns QB workload(With @SkubieMageza) pic.twitter.com/x0tYjz10ff
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) June 14, 2025
Gardner, a two-time All-Pro cornerback, hopes to reset the cornerback market, with Derek Stingley Jr.’s recent three-year, $90 million contract with the Houston Texans serving as a potential benchmark.
Meanwhile, Wilson has put together three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, proving his value despite inconsistent quarterback play. At just 24 years old, both players have not yet reached their athletic primes.
Gardner Looks to Rebound as Wilson Builds on Career Year
Gardner experienced a dip in production last season, failing to make the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career. While he remained a vital part of the Jets’ defense, his impact on the field diminished. He recorded a career-low 49 tackles (36 solo), one sack and one interception.
Wilson’s 2024 season went the opposite way, finishing with career-highs across the board. Despite the addition of wide receiver Davante Adams at the trade deadline, Wilson finished with a personal-best 101 receptions, 1,104 receiving yards, and seven touchdown receptions.
With the team replacing future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers with fifth-year pro Justin Fields, those numbers could take a step back this season. Fields, a former first-round pick, has shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled to establish himself as a consistent passer.
Regardless, the Jets would be wise to pay Wilson and Gardner before training camp. Doing so would lock in two of the league’s top young superstars and send a strong message to the rest of the locker room: perform well, stay committed, and you will be rewarded with long-term contract extensions.