Sauce Gardner
What else can you say about Gardner that hasn’t already been said? He was the first rookie cornerback to be named First-Team All-Pro since Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott in 1981. He led the league with 20 passes defended. He was easily the pick for Defensive Rookie of the Year. The Jets nailed their top pick in last year’s draft.
D.J. Reed
The Jets nailed Gardner in the draft and they nailed Reed in free agency as well, giving the Jets one of the best outside cornerback pairings in the NFL. You can argue he was snubbed for a Pro Bowl selection last season. He’s still only 26 years old.
Michael Carter II
Carter took a big jump forward in 2022 at the nickel position. He played in all 17 games, totaled 63 tackles and added two interceptions. Not too many teams can feel good about a trio of defensive backs like the Jets can with Gardner, Reed and Carter.
Brandin Echols
Echols was a viable reserve cornerback who stepped up when needed, whether it was due to injuries or whatever the case may be. Echols gives the Jets solid depth at the position moving forward and he’s still under contract for two more years.
Bryce Hall
After starting all 17 games in 2021, Hall plummeted down the depth chart in 2022 thanks to the Jets adding Gardner and Reed. Hall was mostly a weekly inactive last season, playing in just five games. He’s entering the final year of his rookie contract and the Jets can save almost $2.75 million if they wanted to cut him this offseason.
Justin Hardee
Hardee had himself a career year in 2022. He was the special teams captain, one of the best special teams players in the entire league and was named to his first Pro Bowl. He can also play some cornerback in a pinch if needed. He’s entering the final year of his three-year contract that he signed in 2021. He’ll make about $2.35 million this season.
Craig James and Jimmy Moreland
James and Morehead were practice squad players throughout the year. Both signed reserve/future contracts after the season ended. They’ll compete for roster spots in 2023.
Almost incredibly, the Jets don’t have any free-agent cornerbacks.
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