It's no secret that future Hall-of-Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers is the single most important player on the New York Jets' 2024 roster, but who's No. 2?
Running back Breece Hall certainly has a case after totaling 1,585 scrimmage yards in 2023. With two straight 1,000-yard receiving seasons to show for his two years in the league, wide receiver Garrett Wilson is pretty important to the whole operation, too.
The Jets have an All-Pro defensive tackle and two linebackers with All-Pro credentials, but the team's second most important player resides in the secondary according to The Sporting News.
Identifying "the most indispensable, valuable and integral players to the success of all 32 teams in the 2024 regular season," TSN tabbed third-year cornerback Sauce Gardner to represent the Jets.
From Every NFL team's most important player (non-quarterback edition) for 2024 season:
"Gardner has been terrific with his speedy and sizable shutdown skills since being drafted No. 4 overall in 2023. He cleans up for the defense, which will get a lot more attention in 2024 with a healthy Aaron Rodgers providing help on offense."
Gardner has two All-Pro First Team selections to show for his two seasons in the NFL. He is widely regarded as the top cornerback in the league, if not one of the best.
Set to turn 24 years old on August 31, Gardner has 31 passes defensed over 33 career starts.
