After coming into the 2024-25 season with lofty expectations, the New York Jets‘ defense couldn’t have been much more of a disappointment. As a result, the high-profile stars on that side of the ball are subject to criticism.
Cornerback Sauce Gardner is right at the top of the list. The former No. 4 overall draft pick is entering a pivotal training camp and season for his development. After being dubbed a first-team All-Pro in his rookie and sophomore campaigns, he struggled to replicate that success in year three. It’s safe to say there’s a fork in the road at this point.
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report isn’t banking on Gardner selecting the best of the two paths. In a July 10 story, he listed Gardner as the Jets’ most likely bust candidate of 2025.
New Contract Would Undoubtedly Come With High Expectations for Sauce Gardner
Whichever route Gardner takes on the field – good or bad – it’s expected to come with a serious payday. A contract extension from the Jets is everyone’s goal. With that, though, comes even more responsibility and the proverbial bar being raised.
That’s exactly where Knox seems concerned. In acknowledging “undoubtedly high” expectations for Gardner, Knox is well aware of what would happen if the cornerback doesn’t live up to the hype.
“The problem is that Gardner may struggle to meet the hype in 2025,” Knox wrote. “The two-time first-team All-Pro is undoubtedly talented but more good than great last season—Pro Football Focus ranked him 46th overall among cornerbacks. Another good-not-great season will have Gardner viewed as a bust, if, as many might expect, he becomes the league’s highest-paid cornerback at some point in 2025.”
There are plenty of top-shelf cornerback contracts to consider here. Players like Jaycee Horn ($100 million total, $25M per year), Patrick Surtain II ($24M per year with $77.5M in guarantees) and Derek Stingley Jr. ($89M guaranteed) stand out as examples. Making the jump from a standard rookie deal to a full-fledged extension shifts the narrative. Once the dotted line is signed, conversations about Gardner’s play become far more relevant.
Gardner Eyeing a Rebound Year for Jets in 2025
Luckily for Gardner and the Jets, he has a good track record. It isn’t a matter of whether he has the ceiling, but rather if he can reach it once again. His debut season, in particular, was downright phenomenal. He posted career-best marks for tackles (75), passes broken up (19), interceptions (2) and passer rating surrendered (62.7). Additionally, Pro Football Focus gave him sparkling marks for run defense (69.2) and tackling (75.2).
2023 wasn’t as good, albeit still elite. Gardner had 11 passes broken up and a forced fumble in 16 starts. His 90.8 PFF coverage grade led all cornerbacks in the sport. It’s no coincidence that the Jets’ defense eventually declined when he did.
New York’s 2024 defense ranked 21st in overall EPA/play allowed, per SumerSports. It wasn’t much better against the pass (19th). On likely passing downs, that ranking dropped to 25th. The Jets were fine on early downs and in the red zone, so there’s reason for optimism. Having coaches like Aaron Glenn and Steve Wilks in the building should have a domino effect on everyone. Heck, they’ve already made an impact on a determined Gardner.
Last season, definitively a regression, can either be viewed as a blip on the radar or the beginning of a trend. How Gardner rebounds in 2025 will determine that answer in the eyes of everyone – believers and doubters alike.
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