The New York Jets lately made Sauce Gardner the highest-paid cornerback in NFL historical past.
Now, they are going to demand he performs as such.
In line with Wealthy Cimini of ESPN, Gardner could have an expanded position on protection this season.
“Gardner has quietly yearned to cowl the opponents’ No. 1 receiver. Within the earlier defensive scheme, zone-based, he did it solely a handful of occasions every season, largely within the pink zone. He mentioned it may be within the new scheme, which is anticipated to rely closely on man-to-man protection. Gardner additionally mentioned he may get some blitzing alternatives, which he relishes,” Cimini wrote.
Gardner entered the NFL with loads of promise, and it didn’t take lengthy earlier than he proved why.
He ran away with Defensive Rookie of the 12 months and regarded like a possible Defensive Participant of the 12 months candidate.
He’s coming off a down season, but it surely’s laborious to single him out after watching the entire protection take a giant step again after head coach Robert Saleh was fired.
New head coach Aaron Glenn will probably get issues sorted out on that facet of the ball, that means that Gardner will probably be tasked with main obligations.
The Jets have struggled to get again to playoff rivalry, however aside from final season, they’ve normally had top-of-the-line defenses within the league.
Set to make $30.1 million per season, Gardner is seeking to set up himself as one of many prime defensive backs within the league, not solely in his checking account but in addition on the sector.
Whereas the Jets ought to fare higher on offense with Justin Fields at quarterback and a brand new offensive scheme, they are going to probably solely go so far as their protection can take them.
Gardner has the potential to be the most effective defensive participant within the recreation and can now have the chance to show that.
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