Sauce Gardner had a historic rookie season for the New York Jets back in 2022. In 2023, he put up ridiculous numbers as well, repeating his dominance. In 2024, the University of Cincinnati product didn't quite reach the same lofty heights that had become expected of him.
The small step back didn't stop the Jets from making him the highest-paid corner in NFL history, signing him to a four-year, $120.4 million extension over the summer. Never one to shy away from the limelight, the supremely confident Gardner wasn't worried about a decline and instead had his eyes on a leadership role, one he ultimately wouldn't get.