The New York Jets are set to exercise the fifth-year contract options for key players Sauce Gardner, Garrett Wilson, and Jermaine Johnson, all of whom were first-round picks in 2022. General manager Darren Mougey confirmed this decision, highlighting these athletes as foundational pieces for the franchise. Gardner, a two-time All-Pro, and Wilson, who has accumulated over 100 catches in each of his first three seasons, have been vital to the team's development amid a long playoff drought. Johnson, a 2023 Pro Bowler, is recovering from an Achilles injury sustained in 2023 but remains a crucial part of the team's future. As the Jets prepare for the upcoming draft, which includes the seventh overall pick, discussions about contract extensions for the trio will be kept in-house until after the draft.

The New York Jets have secured their future by exercising the fifth-year options on their 2022 first-round draft picks: cornerback Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner, wide receiver Garrett Wilson, and edge rusher Jermaine Johnson II. This strategic move ensures these key players remain with the team through the 2026 season as the franchise aims to end a lengthy playoff drought.

While the decisions were largely viewed as a no-brainer, questions arise regarding the lack of early contract extensions for these emerging stars. As the market for their respective positions continues to soar, the move may lead to higher costs down the line.

The New York Jets have confirmed the exercise of fifth-year options for their standout 2022 draft picks: cornerback Sauce Gardner, wide receiver Garrett Wilson, and defensive end Jermaine Johnson. Gardner's performance as a two-time All-Pro and Wilson's achievement of three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons made their options straightforward. Johnson, despite recovering from Achilles surgery that sidelined him for most of last season, impressed with 7.5 sacks in 2023, supporting the team's decision. The projected fifth-year salaries are $20.2 million for Gardner, $16.8 million for Wilson, and $13.4 million for Johnson, all fully guaranteed.

General Manager Darren Mougey mentioned that while extensions are possible, he refrained from commenting on any specifics. Amidst these developments, Aaron Rodgers’ recent criticisms of coach Aaron Glenn and the Jets organization were acknowledged, although Mougey chose to maintain focus on the upcoming draft. After parting ways with Rodgers, the Jets swiftly secured quarterback Justin Fields with a two-year deal, clearly expressing confidence in him as the starter.

The NFL offseason is heating up as teams finalize coaching staff and prepare for the draft. A significant focus is on the fifth-year option for players from the 2022 draft class. Each team must decide by May 1 whether to exercise this option, which allows them to retain first-round picks for an additional year at a fully guaranteed salary. Nineteen teams are weighing options for their eligible players based on their performance over the first three years in the league. Various tiers for salary options exist based on whether players meet specific performance benchmarks, including snaps played and Pro Bowl selections.

Among the notable eligible players, Aidan Hutchinson stands out with a one Pro Bowl option worth over $22 million, while other players like Sauce Gardner qualify for multiple Pro Bowls at $20 million. Teams are also evaluating the impact these decisions will have on their salary cap and roster construction moving forward. The fifth-year options serve as a critical mechanism for teams to manage young talent effectively as they transition into contract negotiations that could shape their future.