The New York Jets have made a pivotal decision to exercise the fifth-year options for their 2022 first-round draft picks: cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, wide receiver Garrett Wilson, and edge rusher Jermaine Johnson II. This move, announced by General Manager Darren Mougey, ensures the trio remains with the team through 2026, reinforcing the foundation of a franchise aiming to end a 14-year playoff drought. However, with the market for their positions skyrocketing, questions linger about why the Jets didn’t pursue early contract extensions to lock in these stars at a lower cost.

Gardner, selected fourth overall, will earn a fully guaranteed $20.1 million in 2026. Widely regarded as one of the NFL’s premier cornerbacks, he’s a two-time All-Pro who is the cornerstone of the Jets’ secondary. Wilson, the 10th overall pick, will receive $16.8 million for his fifth year. His 279 receptions and 3,249 yards over three seasons is impressive considering the carousel of quarterbacks he has already experienced in short time in the league. Johnson, picked 26th, will cost $13.4 million. Despite an Achilles injury in 2024, his 10 sacks in two full seasons securing that 5th year shows the Jets’ belief in him as a pass rusher.

The decision to exercise these options is a no-brainer for a talent-strapped Jets roster, but the delay in extending contracts raises eyebrows. The cornerback and wide receiver markets have exploded, with recent deals like Derek Stingley Jr.’s three-year, $90 million extension and Ja’Marr Chase’s four-year, $161 million pact setting new benchmarks. Gardner could reset the cornerback market, potentially commanding over $25 million annually, while Wilson’s extension might approach $30 million per year given his production. Johnson’s value, though tempered by injury, could climb if he rebounds strongly.

By not extending early, the Jets risk paying a premium as salaries escalate. Former GM Joe Douglas was cautious about early extensions, but Mougey’s openness to retaining young talent suggests a shift. With $80 million in projected 2025 cap space, the Jets could have secured Gardner and Wilson at discounts last offseason, avoiding the inflated costs now looming. The Jets must balance cap space with retaining their homegrown stars.

This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: The Jets used their fifth round option on all 2022 first round picks