Darren Mougey: Jets made the Sauce Gardner contract "tradeable"

In June, the New York Jets signed cornerback Sauce Gardner to a record $30.1 million-per-year contract, making him the highest-paid player in his position. However, less than four months later, the Jets traded Gardner. General Manager Darren Mougey stated that the contract was intentionally structured to facilitate a potential trade, emphasizing the importance of tradeability in contract design. This flexibility allowed the Jets to accept an offer deemed too valuable to decline. The contract structure allowed the Jets to move Gardner after paying less than $15 million and incurring an $11 million cap charge in 2024.

The Indianapolis Colts acquired Gardner in exchange for two first-round picks and receiver AD Mitchell. This move demonstrates the transactional nature of the NFL, where teams view players as interchangeable parts in search of optimal value. The Jets' decision reflects a broader trend where teams seek to maximize roster value while remaining adaptable to potential trade opportunities.