Jets GM Darren Mougey plans to pick up fifth-year options on Sauce Gardner, Garrett Wilson and Jermaine Johnson
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — As Darren Mougey prepares for his first draft as a general manager, he made it known that he plans to reward the players selected in the Jets’ previous GM’s best draft.
Cornerback Sauce Gardner, wide receiver Garrett Wilson and edge rusher Jermaine Johnson will have their fifth-year options picked up, Mougey said Monday during a pre-draft news conference. The trio were first-round picks in 2022 when Joe Douglas ran the Jets’ football department.
“I do anticipate exercising those fifth-year options on those players,” Mougey said.
This was a given for Gardner and Wilson, and not all that surprising with Johnson. He is returning from a torn Achilles tendon, but his athleticism and versatility make him an asset at a premier position.
Gardner was first-team All-Pro and made the Pro Bowl in his first two seasons. Wilson is j
“I do anticipate exercising those fifth-year options on those players,” Mougey said.
This was a given for Gardner and Wilson, and not all that surprising with Johnson. He is returning from a torn Achilles tendon, but his athleticism and versatility make him an asset at a premier position.
Gardner was first-team All-Pro and made the Pro Bowl in his first two seasons. Wilson is j
Cornerback Sauce Gardner, wide receiver Garrett Wilson and edge rusher Jermaine Johnson will have their fifth-year options picked up, Mougey said Monday during a pre-draft news conference. The trio were first-round picks in 2022 when Douglas ran the Jets’ football department.
“I do anticipate exercising those fifth-year options on those players,” Mougey said.
This was a given for Gardner and Wilson, and not all that surprising with Johnson. He is returning from a torn Achilles tendon, but his athleticism and versatility make him an asset at a premier position.
Gardner was first-team All-Pro and made the Pro Bowl in his first two seasons. Wilson is just the second player in franchise history to record three straight 1,000-yard seasons (George Sauer).
According to OvertheCap.com, Gardner’s fifth-year option in 2026 is projected to be worth $20.186 million, Wilson’s $16.817 million and Johnson’s $13.411 million. The Jets have until May 1 to officially exercise the options.
All three players also are eligible for contract extensions. Gardner and Wilson are the most likely to receive them this offseason. Mougey said he would get through the draft first before engaging in extension negotiations, but wouldn’t reveal much else.
“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,” Mougey said. “We'll keep those dealings and those discussions in-house.”
Mougey also declined to comment on Aaron Rodgers’ appearance last week on “The Pat McAfee Show.” Rodgers slammed new Jets coach Aaron Glenn for not showing Rodgers “ample respect” when he flew from California to New Jersey to meet with the club's new brain trust in February.
Rodgers claimed the meeting was brief and he was told almost immediately that the Jets were moving in a different direction at quarterback. Rodgers also contended that Glenn was concerned that Rodgers would “undermine” him. He called it “a very strange meeting, for sure.” The Jets officially released Rodgers on March 12.
Mougey, who was in the meeting, chose not to comment when asked if he disputed Rodgers’ account of what happened.
“I understand the question,” Mougey said. “I addressed that at the combine. But today, I just want to talk about the draft and Jets players.”
Mougey also passed when given the opportunity to say if he had any regrets about how things transpired.
“I understand the question, but I'm going talk about the draft and current Jets players,” Mougey repeated.
Glenn was not part of the pre-draft news conference and has yet to comment on the Rodgers' situation. He also has been reluctant to say much about Rodgers in his previous meetings with the media.
The Jets replaced Rodgers with Justin Fields, signing him to a two-year, $40 million contract ($30 million guaranteed) in free agency. Glenn believes Fields has a lot of untapped potential that the coaches will be able to bring out of him.
Rodgers, meanwhile, remains a free agent. The Steelers have shown the most interest, but Rodgers, 41, is still contemplating whether he wants to play another season or retire.
The Jets’ quarterback room currently consists of Fields, veteran Tyrod Taylor and Jordan Travis, a fifth-round pick last year. Travis didn’t play or practice at all last season because of a serious leg injury he suffered at Florida State on Nov. 18, 2023.
It’s likely the Jets will add a quarterback with one of their Day 2 or Day 3 draft picks. They have the seventh selection in the first round on Thursday night and could take someone that can help out Fields.
Missouri offensive tackle Armand Membou and Penn State tight end Tyler Warren have been the players most linked to the Jets.
Mougey, who said the Jets’ draft board is “pretty much set” except for some potential minor tweaks, added that he is satisfied about the board and all the meetings he, scouts and coaches have had leading up to it.
“I feel good about where this roster is at right now in April,” Mougey said, “and I feel good about going into the draft and adding some good players that can help us win.”
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
More Jets
