Sauce Gardner Reacts to Jets Contract Talks With 5-Word Message

Sauce Gardner has been eligible to discuss a contract extension with the New York Jets since Monday, January 6. That was the day after the regular season and a day after Gardner completed his third professional season in the NFL.

Just because Gardner is eligible to discuss a new deal doesn’t mean the Jets have to acquiesce. However, ESPN NFL Insider Jeremy Fowler confirmed to Connor Long on “The Jake Asman Show” that the Jets did make an initial offer to Gardner. Since then, the talks have continued.

Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Darius Slay took to social media to share his thoughts on the Gardner-Jets contract negotiations.

“Man Houston done did right by their star CB, y the hell the jets taking so long to pay sauce he’s a top dawg that earned his money,” Slay said.

Gardner responded to that post saying, “preciate you my dawg! It’ll happen in due time🤞🏾.”

preciate you my dawg! it’ll happen in due time🤞🏾 https://t.co/XhiGPkg4II

— SAUCE GARDNER (@iamSauceGardner) June 30, 2025

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In early May, the Jets exercised the fifth-year team option on Gardner’s rookie contract. That keeps him under team control for at least the next two seasons through 2026. Gardner is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent in 2027.

Gardner Announces New Partnership

“Don’t play games with your brain. After adding @QCollarOfficial to my gear last season, I’m excited to officially join them in making football safer. #Q30Partner #CollarUp,” Gardner announced on social media on Tuesday, July 1.

Don’t play games with your brain.

After adding @QCollarOfficial to my gear last season, I’m excited to officially join them in making football safer.#Q30Partner #CollarUp” pic.twitter.com/AhHYUnjyPU

— SAUCE GARDNER (@iamSauceGardner) July 1, 2025

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During the 2024 season, Gardner wore the Q-Collar around his neck. According to the press release, it was “developed by Q30 Innovations as the first and only FDA-cleared sports equipment proven to help protect the brain from repetitive head impacts.”

The Q30 Innovations brand has “worked with leading medical and academic institutions to research and develop the Q-Collar” over the last 13 years.

“Over 25 pre-clinical and clinical studies show [that] the Q-Collar safely and effectively helps protect the brain from [the] effects of repetitive head impacts. The Q-Collar received FDA authorization in February 2021, and officially launched in the United States in September 2021. The Q-Collar is currently being worn by professionals and youth athletes in lacrosse, football, soccer, winter sports, and members of the armed forces,” the website explained.

Gardner tried the Q-Collar out in 2024 and liked it so much that he became an official partner ahead of the 2025 season and beyond.

“We all know football is a physical sport with action and contact on every play,” Gardner said in the press release. “I’m always looking for ways to stay safe, comfortable, and confident while I play, and the Q-Collar checked every box. It’s lightweight, durable, and I love the way it looks. But more importantly, it gives me peace of mind knowing I’m taking the extra step to better protect my brain while still playing at the highest level.”