Intro: Why the Jets Might Have the Best Financial Setup in the NFL Right Now
As NFL teams scramble to get under the salary cap and make space for splashy signings or big-name trades, the New York Jets are sitting in a position most front offices would envy. Heading into the 2025 season with roughly $29.7 million in salary cap space, the Jets are not just surviving the financial grind — they’re thriving.
How are they doing it? A huge part of the answer lies in the smart, strategic contract structure put in place by general manager Darren Mougey, who has quietly built a roster filled with emerging stars — all while keeping costs remarkably low.
And here’s the kicker — this isn’t just about young talent. It’s about value. These aren’t no-names. We’re talking about players making noise on both sides of the ball, yet playing on contracts that are absolute steals by NFL standards.
Let’s dive into the five most team-friendly contracts the Jets will enjoy during the 2025 campaign — excluding rookies — and how they’re setting up the franchise for both short- and long-term success.
1. Sauce Gardner — The Superstar Corner Still on a Budget
At first glance, seeing Sauce Gardner on a list of team-friendly contracts might raise eyebrows. He’s already one of the league’s most feared cornerbacks, and yes — he does carry the third-highest cap charge on the Jets in 2025.
But here’s the catch: his cap hit is just $10.6 million.
Let that sink in for a second. We’re talking about a true shutdown corner, the kind you build a defense around, earning what many second-tier players are making. Though contract extension talks are reportedly underway, Gardner is still on his rookie deal, and the Jets are squeezing every ounce of value out of it.
He’s producing like a $20 million player — and they’re paying him nearly half of that.
If Mougey can lock him up long-term before his price skyrockets, this could be a masterstroke for the franchise.
2. Garrett Wilson — WR1 at a WR3 Price Tag
Right there with Sauce is his draft-class counterpart, Garrett Wilson, who might just be the most underpaid WR1 in the league.
Slated to make just $6.5 million against the cap in 2025, Wilson is entering his third NFL season as the Jets’ primary offensive weapon. He’s already developed chemistry with both veteran quarterbacks and rising stars, showcasing elite route-running and an uncanny ability to create separation.
Much like Gardner, Wilson is eventually going to demand (and deserve) a massive contract extension — and it’s only a matter of time before his value spikes. But for now, New York is enjoying elite-level production from a player being paid like a mid-tier No. 2 wideout.
That’s how you build a playoff team without crippling your budget.
3. Justin Fields — Bridge QB With a Bargain Price Tag
Let’s talk quarterbacks, because this is where teams usually blow the bank.
Not the Jets.
In a surprising but calculated move, Justin Fields was signed as a bridge quarterback to help steady the team in 2025 — and possibly beyond. His two-year, $40 million deal is nothing to scoff at, but it’s the way that deal is structured that gives the Jets breathing room.
His 2025 cap hit? Just $8 million.
For context, that’s cheaper than many backup QBs around the league. Fields’ $20 million average annual value already places him toward the bottom of the starting quarterback pay scale, but with just $8 million against the cap this season, it’s clear Mougey worked magic to keep financial flexibility intact.
If Fields plays well and outperforms expectations, he could be a steal not just financially — but competitively as well.
4. Olu Fashanu — LT of the Future, Value of the Present
You don’t often see young offensive tackles come in and make an immediate impact, but that’s what the Jets are hoping for from Olu Fashanu.
Drafted in the first round out of Penn State, Fashanu is entering his second NFL season and has already claimed the starting job at left tackle, one of the most premium positions in football. And yet, thanks to his rookie deal, the Jets are paying him just $4.6 million this year.
That’s absurd value if he can hold his own against elite edge rushers and anchor the offensive line.
If Fashanu pans out, he becomes the ultimate bargain — a young, athletic, and reliable protector for a fraction of the usual cost. Not to mention, the Jets control his contract through 2027 with a fifth-year option. Talk about long-term planning done right.
5. Will McDonald IV — Sack Artist on a Rookie Budget
Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn must be licking his chops when he looks at Will McDonald IV’s cap hit for 2025: just $4.4 million.
After racking up 10.5 sacks last season, McDonald is turning into a legitimate pass-rushing threat. That kind of production usually comes with a hefty price tag — but not here. Still riding his rookie deal, McDonald is a cost-effective force who’s giving the Jets premium edge production at a bargain-bin cost.
He’s explosive, quick off the edge, and starting to read plays with veteran-level instincts. If he continues on this trajectory, he’ll become the kind of player you have to pay big eventually — but right now, he’s all upside with zero financial downside.
How These Contracts Set the Stage for 2025 (and Beyond)
So what does it all mean? Well, here’s the breakdown:
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Cap Space Remaining: $29.7 million
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Top Young Talent: Still on Rookie Deals
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Core Roster Players: Producing well above their pay scale
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Flexibility: To add veterans, make trades, or extend key pieces
The Jets aren’t just planning for 2025 — they’re playing chess for the next five years. With the league constantly shifting, the teams that thrive are the ones that can both develop talent and manage money. New York, for now, is doing both — and doing it well.
As training camp inches closer and expectations begin to build, remember: this Jets team isn’t just about splashy plays. It’s about savvy management, player development, and maximizing value. And that’s a recipe for sustainable success — the kind that makes fans hopeful and other GMs jealous.
Final Thought:
Don’t be surprised if this team makes noise come playoff time. They’re young, hungry, and most importantly — affordable. For once, the Jets are finally on the right side of the salary cap conversation.
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