New York Jets superstar cornerback Sauce Gardner is entering a pivotal campaign. He’ll be his first under new defensive-minded head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey. Gardner is hoping to sign a shattering contract extension that would establish him as a face-of-the-franchise player for years to come.
Gardner made a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. Gardner discussed a number of topics, including Coach Glenn and Justin Fields. He also set high expectations for himself throughout 2025.
“This offseason has been by far my best offseason,” Gardner said in response. “I just left L.A. from training with my trainer, and I feel great. I’m sitting [at] about 200 pounds right now. I don’t think I’ve ever played that [at that weight] heavy before. The more muscle, the more explosive and faster I’ve become.”
“This offseason has been by far my best..
I feel great and I feel more explosive with that muscle that I’ve put on” ~ @iamSauceGardner#PMSLivepic.twitter.com/muKTv0nrxx
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) July 2, 2025
The Jets recently triggered Gardner’s fifth-year option. That decision keeps the former Cincinnati Bearcats standout under contract through 2026, but Gardner hopes to sign a lucrative extension this offseason. Many of his draftmates, including fellow corner Derek Stingley Jr., have already signed their respective extensions, adding a sense of urgency for Mougey to get something done.
Gardner is pleased with his offseason preparation, feeling faster and explosive than ever. The Jets are fortunate to have a stud cornerback in his prime. All that’s left is for Gardner to ink his multi-year extension this summer.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Jets CB Sauce Gardner sets high expectations for his 2025 season