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Wealthy Cimini
New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner desires to stay round for the long run, hoping he generally is a catalyst for a dramatic turnaround. It feels like that want will come to fruition.
The 2 sides are engaged in contract discussions, in line with Gardner.
“My most important focus has been being one of the best soccer participant I could be, however my staff and the Jets have been speaking and, , I really feel fairly good about how the talks have been going,” he mentioned Thursday on the conclusion of the staff’s necessary minicamp.
Gardner, 24, a two-time All-Professional and the 2022 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Yr, mentioned it was vital for him to be at minicamp.
“Man, I simply needed to indicate my teammates, present my coaches how a lot I am purchased into this now,” he mentioned. “I need to win. I need to change the group. I need to be part of altering the group.”
Gardner’s fifth-year choice was exercised in Might, so he has two years remaining on his rookie contract.
The Jets by no means have prolonged a former first-round decide after three seasons, however new normal supervisor Darren Mougey has talked about locking up their prime younger gamers. The staff can also be in talks with fourth-year huge receiver Garrett Wilson, one other 2022 first-round selection.
Houston Texans star Derek Stingley Jr., drafted No. 3 in 2022 (one spot forward of Gardner), raised the ceiling for corners earlier this offseason with a three-year, $90 million extension.
Gardner declined to say whether or not he desires to surpass Stingley because the highest-paid nook.
“I do not actually need to get into the numbers,” he mentioned.
In Gardner’s first three seasons, the Jets compiled a 19-32 document, which led to an organizational reboot. Gardner praised Mougey and new coach Aaron Glenn, himself a former nook who performed with the Jets from 1994 to 2001.
“I really feel like they’re doing a fantastic job and altering the tradition for positive,” Gardner mentioned.
Gardner and Wilson had been a part of a blockbuster 2022 draft class, which additionally included defensive finish Jermaine Johnson (first spherical) and working again Breece Corridor (second spherical). Johnson missed 15 video games final season with a torn Achilles, however his fifth-year choice was exercised. Corridor is getting into the ultimate 12 months of his contract.
The Jets anticipate an enormous 12 months out of Gardner.
“He is one of many prime corners within the league, however that consistency of being that dominant participant each week, that is what we’re searching for,” defensive coordinator Steve Wilks mentioned. “That is been his problem this offseason.”
