Sauce Gardner cheers as Broncos lock Patrick Surtain with massive $96,000,000 extension

Patrick Surtain II has been one of the best cornerbacks in the entire NFL during his three seasons with the Denver Broncos. He has been selected to the Pro Bowl in the past two seasons and is also a former first-team All-Pro.

The Broncos are obviously well aware of the elite value that he brings to their defense. On Wednesday, they signed him to a massive four-year contract extension worth $96 million. This makes him the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history at $24 million in AAV.

New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner quickly took notice of the move shortly after it was announced. He went on his X account to praise Patrick Surtain for his new deal in Denver.

"My dawg got that baggg," Gardner wrote.

It makes sense why Gardner would be so excited about Surtain's new contract, considering he is also one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. The Jets star has been selected as a first-team All-Pro in both of his seasons and is a former Defensive Rookie of the Year. He is still on his rookie contract in New York, so increasing the market value for defensive backs could be to his benefit.

Where Patrick Surtain ranks among highest-paid defensive players in NFL

Patrick Surtain

Patrick Surtain's new contract with the Denver Broncos makes him the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history. His $24 million in AAV is more than any other cornerback or safety ever, surpassing Antoine Winfield Jr.'s recent deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers worth $21.025 million in AAV.

Surtain also comes in as the 11th highest-paid defensive player currently in the NFL, regardless of position. The only 10 players who make more money in AAV on their current contracts are all pass rushers, traditionally the highest-paid defensive players.

San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa tops the list of defenders at $34 million in AAV, exactly $10 million more than Surtain. For comparison, Winfield is the 23rd highest-paid defensive player, with Green Bay Packers CB Jaire Alexander right behind him, both significantly lower than where Surtain currently ranks.

Surtain's deal sets a new standard for defensive backs in the NFL, which is likely why Sauce Gardner was excited to hear the news. Setting the market has a future impact on the next players in line to eventually get paid, and considering Gardner's impressive career so far, Surtain may have essentially made him more money when he gets his next contract.