The highest-paid cornerback in the NFL

The New York Jets agreed yesterday to a record-breaking four-year, $120.4 million contract extension with Sauce Gardner, the largest amount paid to a cornerback in NFL history.

“The deal is done. This is just the beginning. I thank the Jets organization for believing in me, my teammates for the effort we put in, and all the Jets fans for their support,” the cornerback said after finalizing his new contract.

Gardner, 24, will earn $30.1 million per season, putting him at the top of the league with $30.1 million annually, ahead of Derek Stingley Jr. of the Houston Texans, who earns $30 million per season.

The Detroit, Michigan-born player entered the NFL after being selected in the first round of the 2022 Draft by the Jets, a team where he immediately stood out for his security in deep defense.

He has 181 tackles, 40 passes defensed, three interceptions, one sack, and one forced fumble. He was named Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2022 and has two Pro Bowl selections and two All-Pro selections in three years in the league. Gardner's extension comes one day after the New Yorkers signed star receiver Garrett Wilson to a four-year, $130 million contract.

The Jets are looking to shake off the losing streak they displayed in the 2024 season, in which they finished out of the playoffs with a 5-12 record under coach Robert Saleh.

For the 2025 season, the Jets hired Aaron Glenn as their new head coach.

Another multi-million dollar settlement

Trey Smith agreed to a four-year, $94 million contract extension with the Kansas City Chiefs yesterday, making him the highest-paid guard in the NFL. At 26 years old, Smith will earn an average of $23.5 million per season. Of the $94 million in his contract, $70 million is guaranteed. It is the highest average annual salary and guaranteed money ever awarded to a guard in the league.— EFE