Jets’ Sauce Channels Deion in Key Contract Message

Jets’ Sauce Channels Deion in Key Contract Message originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

It won’t be long before the New York Jets and All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner eventually agree on a long-term extension.

Gardner was the first defensive back in league history to be named a first-team All-Pro in the first two seasons of his career. While the 2024 season saw a decline in his production, the former fourth-overall pick was still an excellent player.

As he prepares for his fourth season in the NFL, Gardner wants to get paid.

And he’s turning to social media to turn the heat up on the Jets.

The star cornerback retweeted a post on X from Hall-of-Fame cornerback Deion Sanders in March when he explained why the position had not seen an increase in pay similar to edge rushers or quarterbacks.

“Because the Dog corners need stand up for themselves and what they bring to the table or sit down and watch what’s happening happen! Yall need to Stand up Stand out and Believe in what u Possess,” Sanders initially replied to Gardner’s question.

It cannot be overlooked that Gardner is quote-tweeting a post from March. The corner is looking for leverage to gain in negotiations against New York.

In this case, Gardner is “standing up” for himself, as Sanders suggested.

Gardner has negotiated in good faith for months now. He arrived during voluntary workouts and was a consistent face on the field throughout New York’s offseason schedule.

At a time when many players would skip practices to pressure the team to agree to a new deal, Gardner showed his love for the team by attending.

But negotiations are tricky.

The Jets have the cap space to offer a long-term extension, but they will need to ensure the financials balance out completely if they are to give their All-Pro an expected $30 million-per-year deal.

It’s safe to bet that the two sides will soon be able to agree to a new deal … as Sauce follows a path in channeling the great Deion at the negotiating table and on the field.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 30, 2025, where it first appeared.

Jets’ Sauce Channels Deion in Key Contract Message

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