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Jets Eye Chiefs' McDuffie Amid Gardner Uncertainty

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, February 20th 2026 at 16:35 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: New Jersey, New York, Missouri, UNITED STATES

FLORHAM PARK, NJ - February 20, 2026 - The New York Jets are navigating a complex offseason, grappling with a tight salary cap and the need to bolster their roster for a sustained playoff push. While many eyes are fixed on the future of quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the offensive line, a potentially seismic shift in the secondary is brewing. Reports indicate the Jets are exploring options at cornerback, and Kansas City Chiefs' standout Trent McDuffie has emerged as a key figure in those discussions - potentially as a replacement for Pro Bowler Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler recently reported the Jets have been in communication with McDuffie's representatives. This comes as McDuffie is set to hit free agency, making him an attractive target for teams seeking to upgrade their pass defense. While the Jets have consistently touted Gardner as a cornerstone of their defense, financial realities and strategic considerations may force their hand.

Gardner has undeniably been a transformative player for the Jets since entering the league. A three-time Pro Bowler and a First-Team All-Pro in 2023, he quickly established himself as one of the league's elite shutdown corners. However, his rookie contract is nearing its end, and a significant salary increase is looming in 2025. This presents a major challenge for the Jets, who are already facing substantial cap constraints. While trading Gardner appears unlikely at this moment, the potential cost savings coupled with the availability of a player like McDuffie are forcing the team to carefully consider all avenues.

McDuffie, fresh off a Super Bowl LVIII appearance with the Chiefs, has proven himself a formidable cornerback. Known for his quickness, agility, and ball skills, he consistently shadowed opposing receivers and made crucial plays throughout the 2025 season. His performance in the playoffs further cemented his reputation as a top-tier defender. The Chiefs, despite winning back-to-back championships, may struggle to retain McDuffie due to their own salary cap issues and the need to invest in other key positions. This creates an opportunity for the Jets to swoop in and secure his services.

However, simply replacing Gardner with McDuffie isn't a straightforward solution. Gardner's impact extends beyond on-field performance; he's a vocal leader in the secondary and a key component of the team's defensive identity. Trading him would necessitate not only finding a capable replacement but also addressing the potential loss of leadership. The Jets would need to ensure that any trade package for Gardner nets them not only McDuffie, but also additional draft capital or players to reinforce the secondary.

The linked Sporting News article detailing Aaron Rodgers' willingness to restructure his contract offers a glimmer of hope for the Jets' cap situation. A successful restructuring could alleviate some of the immediate financial pressure, potentially allowing them to retain both Gardner and pursue other free agent targets. However, Rodgers' age and injury history add a layer of risk to any long-term commitment.

Furthermore, the report regarding the Jets' new offensive line coach having ties to Caleb Williams, the projected top pick in the upcoming draft, suggests the team is already planning for the future. Securing a franchise quarterback is paramount, but a strong defense remains equally crucial. Investing in the offensive line is a clear priority, but neglecting the secondary could undermine any offensive improvements.

The Jets' biggest offseason needs, as outlined in another Sporting News piece, extend beyond cornerback. They need to address weaknesses at multiple positions, including safety, linebacker, and wide receiver. Trading Gardner would free up significant cap space to address these needs, but it's a gamble that could backfire if McDuffie doesn't live up to expectations.

Ultimately, the Jets face a difficult decision. Do they retain a proven Pro Bowler in Gardner and navigate the complexities of a tight salary cap, or do they explore a trade and gamble on McDuffie to fill the void? The answer will likely depend on a combination of financial considerations, trade offers, and the team's overall vision for the future. The coming weeks will be crucial as the Jets weigh their options and attempt to build a championship-caliber roster.