How A.J. Terrell’s new contract impacts Sauce Gardner and New York Jets | Sporting News

It’s a preview of what’s to come for the New York Jets and star cornerback Sauce Gardner.

The Atlanta Falcons extended franchise defensive back AJ Terrell on Thursday with reports valuing the 2020 first-round draft pick’s new four-year agreement at $81 million. The $65.8 million in guaranteed money is the largest sum ever for a cornerback on a four-year contract and it creates a rising floor for the negotiations that will eventually be had between the Jets and Gardner.

Terrell’s $20.25 million average annual value is second amongst NFL defensive backs as only Green Bay Packers‘ CB1 Jaire Alexander earns more ($21 million) annually.

As a 2022 first-round draft choice, Gardner is under team control for two more seasons following the 2024 campaign, but the Jets could potentially save money by extending him early. With broadcast revenues expected to continue their rise, player salaries will only go higher and the market for a player like Gardner will be ultra-competitive. 

Gardner, who will turn 24 years old on August 31, is in line to become the NFL’s highest-paid player at his position. He was ranked as the No. 1 cornerback by Pro Football Focus, which uses an analytics-based grading. In two years since being selected at No. 4 overall, Gardner has won two All-Pro First Team selections while Terrell has yet to even make the Pro Bowl.

Further complicating the matter for New York is the fact that wide receiver Garrett Wilson and defensive end Jermaine Johnson are also 2022 first-rounders who are projected to command top dollar on the same timeline.

It’s going to take a Brinks truck to ensure that Gardner remains a Jet for the long term.

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