Jets Hope to Extend 2023 NFL Offensive and Defensive Rookies of the Year
The New York Jets are moving quickly to secure their future by targeting contract extensions for two standout young players. Head coach Aaron Glenn, fresh in his role, wasted no time reaching out to cornerback Sauce Gardner and wide receiver Garrett Wilson, both viewed as cornerstones of the franchise. With both players now eligible for extensions, new GM Darren Mougey has made it clear that retaining top-tier talent is a top priority. By securing long-term deals for Gardner and Wilson, the Jets aim to build a strong foundation that will keep them competitive for years to come.
Sauce Gardner, a dynamic cornerback drafted fourth overall in 2022, has already established himself as a lockdown defender. A three-year starter at Cincinnati, he earned Consensus All-American honors and the AAC Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2021. Gardner signed a four-year contract with a substantial signing bonus and a fifth-year option, solidifying his role as a cornerstone of the Jets' defense. As the team looks to refine its defensive performance, addressing key errors and building a more consistent unit will be a top priority.
On the offensive side, Garrett Wilson has quickly emerged as one of the NFL’s most promising wide receivers. Selected 10th overall in the 2022 draft following a decorated collegiate career at Ohio State, where he earned first-team All-Big Ten and All-American honors, Wilson has steadily built on his rookie success. With over 1,100 receiving yards and a career-best seven touchdowns last season, his consistent production despite quarterback changes is why he is hoping to earn an extension, potentially reaching an eight-figure deal that could top $30 million per year. With the Jets releasing the dynamic duo of Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams, Wilson’s role in the offense becomes even more crucial as the team looks to reshape its offensive identity.
General manager Mougey summed up the organization’s strategy, emphasizing the importance of keeping good young players on the team while adding talent to strengthen the roster. This focus on youth and long-term potential highlights the urgency to lock in both Gardner and Wilson. As the franchise moves forward after releasing veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the emphasis on building around these dynamic playmakers reflects a commitment to remaining competitive. The anticipated extensions of the 2023 NFL Offensive and Defensive Rookies of the Year are not just about retaining talent but also about executing a broader vision for sustained success and stability in one of the league’s toughest divisions.
