As Young Stars Cash In, Veteran Playmakers Are Left Waiting

Over the past week, three rising stars secured major deals: Sauce Gardner, Garrett Wilson, and Trey Smith, each staking their claim as foundational pieces for their respective franchises.

Sauce Sets the Market

Let’s start with Sauce. The fourth-overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft has officially become the highest-paid cornerback in league history. Gardner agreed to terms on a four-year, $120.4 million extension with the Jets, including $60 million in new guaranteed money. The deal surpasses that of fellow 2022 draft class member Derek Stingley Jr., who was selected one pick ahead of Gardner.

Gardner made an immediate impact in 2022, earning Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. He’s also been named First-Team All-Pro in each of his first two seasons, a feat only matched by Micah Parsons and the legendary Lawrence Taylor. While 2024 brought some struggles (by his lofty standards), Gardner remains one of the most trusted cover corners in the league.

Garrett Wilson Cashes In

Sauce isn’t the only Jet getting paid. His teammate, Garrett Wilson, also landed a major extension after recording three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. Despite catching passes from seven different quarterbacks since entering the league, Wilson has been a reliable target since Day 1, securing over 80 receptions in each of his first three seasons. Now 26, he’s linked a four-year, $130 million extension, with $90 million guaranteed.

Trey Smith Resets the Guard Market

Trey Smith, meanwhile, landed a four-year, $92 million deal with the Chiefs, making him the highest-paid guard in NFL history. The former sixth-round pick just reset the market. Smith battled serious health issues (blood clots) while at the University of Tennessee, concerns that caused him to fall to Day 3 of the draft. Since then, he’s become a model of consistency and one of the top performers on a Kansas City offensive line that has lacked stability over the past couple of years.

Not Everyone’s Been Paid Yet

While these young stars are cashing in, a few notable veterans are still waiting.

McLaurin Still Waiting in Washington

Terry McLaurin, Washington’s WR1 and a consistent producer through a carousel of quarterbacks and coaching changes, remains without a new deal. By all accounts, McLaurin wants to remain in D.C. and build chemistry with new franchise QB Jayden Daniels, but he’s reportedly frustrated that the front office hasn’t yet offered the kind of money he feels he’s earned.

Jennings Looking for His Next Deal

Jauan Jennings is in a similar boat. Coming off a career-best season (77 receptions, 975 yards, 6 touchdowns), Jennings is reportedly seeking either an extension or a trade as he enters the final year of his contract in San Francisco. He signed a two-year extension last offseason and served as Brock Purdy’s go-to target, especially while Brandon Aiyuk was sidelined and Deebo Samuel struggled with inconsistency on the field in 2024.

Final Word

Big contracts like these tend to create ripple effects, for better or worse. As values and expectations rise, pressure and tension often follow. With training camp fast approaching and front offices monitoring the market closely, more deals could be on the horizon.