New York Jets shutdown cornerback wants Tyreek Hill money in second contract

Ralph Ventre

New York Jets shutdown cornerback wants Tyreek Hill money in second contract image

It was a good week for Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill, and New York Jets All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner has taken notice.

Hill was announced as the No. 1 overall player on the 2024 NFL Top 100 list one day before the Dolphins awarded him a three-year contract extension reportedly worth $90 million.

During an appearance on NFL Network's Good Morning Football, Gardner, who has the task of frequently defending Hill as an AFC East rival, spoke about the wide receiver's No. 1 overall standing as well as the huge payday.

"There's really a lot to people saying that he don't deserve to be the No. 1 player," said Gardner on camera in Florham Park. "I think it's well deserved. You got guys who gotta change their whole defense because of him. He's a guy that's hard to guard. He's going to present a challenge every time."

Since being drafted at No. 4 overall in 2022, Gardner has taken the NFL by storm. The lockdown cornerback has earned back-to-back All-Pro First Team honors and was rated as the No. 1 player at his position by Pro Football Focus, which uses an analytics-based grading system.

When it's time to hit free agency, Gardner may be able to command a record-setting contract. He's entering Year 3 on his rookie deal that features a fifth-year club option for the Jets to exercise. Right now, there are eight NFL cornerbacks being paid at least $19 million in average annual value according to Spotrac.

"I see he [Hill] changed his contract up a little bit. I couldn't believe that. That's a lot of money. That's a lot of money. I was lost for words when I seen that," said Gardner. "I think, what was it, like 30 a year?"

While GMFB co-host Peter Schrager tried moving onto a new topic of conversation, Gardner was seemingly still thinking about Hill's astronomical wide receiver salary.

"Tyreek, 30 million," said Schrager.

"Hey, I'm trying to get that in a few years," said Gardner.

If he's shutting down the opposing receiver making $30 million per year, why shouldn't he be making as much? As long as he stays healthy, he eventually will. 

 

More New York Jets News:

• High-ranking NFL evaluator claims Jets' Sauce Gardner holds 'every play'

• Jets' defense can continue tradition vs. top rookie QB in preseason opener

• Jets pick up former 49ers cornerback amidst five Friday roster moves

Ralph Ventre

Ralph Ventre Photo

Ralph Ventre, a former college football conference administrator, brings 20 years of media experience to the New York Jets beat. Prior to concentrating on Gang Green, he covered the NCAA DI Football Championship Subdivision for NFL Draft Bible on Sports Illustrated’s FanNation. Ventre remains an official voter for the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 and the annual legacy awards. The Fordham University graduate is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America, and he also covers the Buffalo Bills on SI. The veteran sports media professional resides in his native state of New Jersey.