Jets Exercise Fifth-Year Options for Gardner, Wilson, Johnson

The New York Jets have decided to exercise the fifth-year options on all three of their 2022 first-round draft picks: cornerback Sauce Gardner, wide receiver Garrett Wilson, and defensive end Jermaine Johnson. These fully guaranteed options will keep the players under contract through the 2026 season, with Gardner set to earn $20.1 million, Wilson $16.8 million, and Johnson $13.4 million. Gardner and Wilson have established themselves as key contributors, each earning Rookie of the Year honors and multiple Pro Bowl or All-Pro selections, while Johnson, despite missing much of last season due to injury, showed enough promise in 2023 to justify the decision. The Jets' leadership, including general manager Darren Mougey, has expressed interest in keeping Gardner and Wilson long term but declined to comment on potential contract extensions. The organization is seeking to end a prolonged playoff drought under new management and coaching staff. Additionally, Mougey sidestepped questions about former quarterback Aaron Rodgers' public criticism of the team's handling of his release, emphasizing a focus on current players and the upcoming draft.