Source Gardner is entitled to compensation. Now, the question is whether the Jets' new system will do that.
The Jets' star cornerback just completed his third season, the first time a player is eligible for a contract extension in the NFL.
Gardner was named first-team All-Pro in his first two seasons and was Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2022, but 2024 was a down year by his standards.
Gardner did not explicitly say he would seek a new contract, but discussions are expected between his agent and the Jets whenever the Jets hire a new general manager.
“We'll have to see. I'm taking it one day at a time,” Gardner said. “I'll leave that to my agent.”
Gardner said he wants to stay with the Jets for a long time. He has one year left on his rookie contract and the Jets have a fifth-year option for 2026, which they must pick up by May.
“I've wanted to be a part of this for a long time,” Gardner said. “I want to be part of the change in this organization. If I went somewhere else and there was change, I would really hate it. I would probably be the biggest hater. It will be.”
Fellow 2022 first-round pick Garrett Wilson was not in the locker room Monday.
Wilson is also believed to be seeking a new contract, and there is speculation that he may request a trade.
WR Davante Adams spent half the season with the Jets, but that may be all.
Adams is under contract through 2025, but the Jets could free up $30 million in salary cap space by releasing him.
“Honestly, I have no idea,” Adams said of his future. “I really don't know. Right now I'm trying to take some time to re-evaluate how I feel, see how my team feels, have some conversations, and hopefully come up with a plan moving forward.”
The Jets acquired Adams in a trade with the Raiders in October, giving up a third-round pick to reunite him with QB Aaron Rodgers.
The future of Rodgers and the Jets is uncertain. Adams said Rodgers' decision would affect his future, but said he would “potentially” remain with the Jets without Rodgers.
“We don't know yet what his plans are and where it's going, but I think that might have something to do with it,” Adams said.
LB CJ Mosley, who missed the final two months of the season with a neck injury, said he is working to stay healthy so he can return in 2025.
“I'm not thinking anything about retirement,” Mosley said. “So my main focus is just making sure I'm 100 percent on the field and off the field.”
