Jets Training Camp: Wilson and Gardner Reflect on New Contracts

The Jets kicked off their training camp on Tuesday, and wide receiver Garrett Wilson and cornerback Sauce Gardner made it clear they were feeling more secure—not just financially but also in their roles within the team’s future plans.

Both players insisted that their recent contract extensions wouldn’t lead to complacency. “Garrett and I were just talking about how we need to keep pushing, to always feel a bit underpaid,” Gardner mentioned, emphasizing their commitment to improvement.

Wilson recently signed a massive four-year extension worth $130 million. Gardner followed up the next day with his own deal for four years at $120 million. When Gardner heard about Wilson’s extension during a commercial shoot, he couldn’t help but reach out to congratulate him.

Interestingly, Gardner received an offer from the Jets that same day but asked his agent to hold off on accepting it for a day. “I want Garrett to enjoy his moment,” Gardner explained. “I’m feeling good and spending valuable time with my family, so I’ll handle it tomorrow.”

Having both joined the Jets as first-round picks in 2022, it looks like Wilson and Gardner could be teammates for quite some time. They both expressed how meaningful it is to secure long-term commitments from the team.

Despite contributing to three challenging seasons, both players are eager to help shift the franchise toward success. “I’ve always believed this could turn around, and I want to be a key part of that,” Wilson shared, acknowledging the tough days but reaffirming his commitment.

Wilson, who has had over 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first three seasons, mentioned that his focus now is less on personal achievements and more on winning as a team. “I want to play meaningful football,” he stated. “It’s about being in the game when it matters, in December and January.”

Gardner, now leading the league in average annual salary among cornerbacks at $30.1 million ahead of Derek Stingley Jr., reflected on the significance of this recognition. “Being at the top means a lot to me,” he noted humbly. “I know that not every play will be perfect, but I appreciate the belief the organization has in me.” He expressed gratitude toward ownership and management for their confidence in his abilities.

Overall, both Wilson and Gardner are hopeful as they look to the season ahead, appreciative of their contracts, yet grounded in the reality of what they want to achieve together on the field.