The Indianapolis Colts sent shockwaves throughout the NFL this past week. On trade deadline day, they surprised everyone by trading for cornerback Sauce (Ahmad) Gardner of the New York Jets. This trade happened just a few short months after Gardner and the Jets agreed to a substantial new contract.
On November 9, 2025, Gardner will play his first game for the Colts against the Atlanta Falcons. This game will start at 9:30 AM EST because of the time difference between Berlin, Germany, and Indianapolis. The game can be seen on the NFL Network and NFL+, as well as on Fox Channel 5 (for the Falcons’ local market) and Fox Channel 59 (for the Colts’ local market). The game can also be streamed on Fubo.
Much was made of Gardner’s contract at the time it was signed. So, how much does Gardner actually make this year? Are the Jets still paying him money? Here’s what we know.
What is Sauce Gardner’s Salary?
On July 15th, 2025, Gardner signed a four-year, $120.4 million extension with the Jets. With that deal, he became the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL.
According to Over The Cap, Gardner is being paid $1.25 million for the 2025 season. However, his cap hit is only $625,000 for the Colts.
Additionally, Spotrac reports that he is being paid a $13.75 million signing bonus by the Jets for the 2025 season. This year marks the final season of Gardner’s rookie contract, meaning his record-breaking extension will take effect next season.
How Much Money Will He Make For the Rest of His Contract?
Gardner’s rookie contract includes a fifth-year option with $20.2 million guaranteed. According to Spotrac, that option transferred over to the Colts when he was traded.
For 2026, that option will be exercised. Gardner will count for $9.5 million against the Colts’ salary cap. However, Gardner’s salary for the season will only be $5.25 million. He will also be paid a $4 million prorated option bonus.
Following the 2026 season, Gardner’s salary will skyrocket. In 2027, his cap hit will be $20.7 million, $26.2 million in 2028, and $36.1 million in 2029 and 2030.
Gardner has bonuses built into the four-year extension. He will earn a $6 million prorated option bonus, a per-game roster bonus ($750,000), and a workout bonus ($250,000) for each of the four years.
His base salary also changes over the course of the extension. Gardner will earn $13,953,473 in 2027, $19,200,000 in 2028, and $29,100,000 in 2029 and 2030 as his base salary.
Are the Jets Still Paying Sauce Gardner?
Unfortunately for the Jets, they will still be paying for Gardner despite dealing him at the deadline.
Spotrac reports that the Jets will take on “dead cap hits” of $8.75 million in 2025 and $11 million in 2026. That has the Jets on the hook for $19.75 million for the rest of this season, plus next season.
However, the Jets do save money over the next few years. They save $625,000 in 2025, $1.25 million in 2026, and $23.7 million in 2027. For the rest of this season plus the next two years, the Jets will save $25,575,000. Once the dust settles on this deal at the conclusion of the 2027 regular season, the Jets come out ahead by $5,825,000.
In seven games this season, Gardner has 20 tackles with six passes defended. He last played on October 19, 2025. The Jets lost 13-6 to the Carolina Panthers. Gardner had four tackles and one pass defended in the defeat.
The young cornerback has been recovering from a concussion, but was recently cleared to play.
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