For many years, the New York Jets have not been what one might consider one of the premier destinations in the NFL. Sure, they may play in (near) New York City, but the quality of the team and their tendency to underachieve made them the kind of place players left rather than a place to which players were drawn.
Over the last couple of seasons, this began to change. The drafting of Sauce Gardner and Garrett Wilson in 2022, and their subsequent successes, have shown that the Jets are an up and coming team that just might become a great place to play.
Aaron Rodgers Chose the New York Jets Over Other NFL Teams
As communication broke down between Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers, it became obvious that a divorce was inevitable. As such, there were multiple teams interested in trading for the future Hall of Fame quarterback, despite the fact that he came with a hefty contract.
In the end, Rodgers committed to the Jets and Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst got the trade package that he wanted for the four-time NFL MVP.
While Rodgers’ first season with New York was far too short (he tore his Achilles after just four offensive snaps in Week One), his decision to play for the Jets proved that the culture that they created was one that perspective free agents and trade targets wanted to be a part of.
Sauce Gardner Wants to Play for the New York Jets for His Entire Career
The culture that the Jets created took some criticism during last season and this offseason, in large part due to reports about Rodgers, his injury, and how coaches favored him over others (i.e. Zach Wilson, now playing for the Denver Broncos).
However, there are two sides to every story, and the culture must not be as bad as has been reported. If it were, two-time All-Pro and Pro Bowl cornerback Sauce Gardner would not have posted this:
I wanna be a New York Jet for the rest of my career.
— SAUCE GARDNER (@iamSauceGardner) May 2, 2024
Of course, there have been many players that have said that they wanted to play for their original team for their entire career. Even Rodgers said on multiple occasions that it was his intention to play for the Packers for his entire career.
Of course, things changed.
What Will the New York Jets Have to Do to Keep Sauce Gardner for His Entire Career?
Of course, the best way to keep a player long-term is to pay them. Right now, the Jets are getting a terrific deal on Gardner’s contract because he is on his rookie deal. Once he gets close to free agency, though, things might change.
Gardner is easily one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL today. If he continues to perform at that high level, he could fetch upwards of $20-$25 million per year. Right now, Jaire Alexander of the Packers is the highest paid cornerback in the NFL, making $21 million per season.
The Jets should, of course, prioritize building around Gardner on defense. It remains to be seen, though, if they will.
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