Jets Pick Up Options On Three Former First Round Picks

New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner, wide receiver Garrett Wilson and defensive end Jermaine Johnson, who were the Jets’ first-round picks in 2022, will have their fifth-year options exercised, according to general manager Darren Mougey.

“Yeah, we have time to make that decision, but I do anticipate exercising those fifth-year options on those players,” Mougey said in a press conference along with Jets first-year head coach Aaron Glenn.

Gardner and Wilson have been arguably the two most productive players for the Jets over the past three seasons. Gardner is a two-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro selection. Wilson has gone for over 1,000 yards in three straight seasons. The questions lie with Johnson, who, despite being a Pro Bowler in 2023, is coming off a torn Achilles tendon.

The options for Gardner, Wilson and Johnson are $20.2 million, $16.8 million and $13.4 million, respectively, according to Over the Cap. These salaries are fully guaranteed.

Fifth-year options can often lead to contract extensions, however, Mougey didn’t comment on a possible extension to any of the former first-round picks. He did say that Gardner and Wilson are eligible for long-term extensions.

“I’m going to get through the draft, but in terms of contracts and extensions on any players, I’ll always keep that in-house, and we’ll keep those dealings in those discussions in-house,” Mougey said.

Any extension would likely be lucrative.