Aaron Rodgers, before he wore green or threw a single spiral at MetLife. He and Sauce Gardner were already locked in—literally. Their now-famous handshake, which consists of joining the thumbs and index fingers and then making a cheeky gesture with a marijuana toke, was more than some content for the internet. It was chemistry. It was Rodgers’ way of telling the world, “This Guy? He belongs with me.” Ever the Gen-Z diplomat, Gardner clarified: “I’ve never smoked or drunk a day in my life… Aaron came up with it.” Of course, he did.
The NFL world realised that Aaron Rodgers and Sauce Gardner were more than simply a QB-CB duo when they made their now-iconic handshake debut, complete with the glasses flick, chest bump, and a swagger so strong it deserved its own end zone dance. It was a full-blown bromance, certified by vibes and bonded in locker room lore.
Because, let’s face it, if Rodgers does show up, it’s likely he’s not coming alone. Once, he transformed the New York Jets stadium into a Packers reunion special. The front office went into “Aaron’s Wish List” mode as soon as he signed. In came Allen Lazard with a four-year, $44 million deal. Then it was Randall Cobb—Rodgers’ emotional support wide receiver. And of course, Nathaniel Hackett was given a coordinator seat. In addition to signing Rodgers, the Jets brought in his inner circle and provided them with building keycards.
So when rumors started swirling that Mike Tomlin might try to lure Aaron Rodgers to Pittsburgh, the follow-up question practically wrote itself: “Is he bringing Sauce too?” And if Rodgers desires for a well-known face in Pittsburgh? Not a bad idea. Plus, Sauce Gardner, the man who said, “I’m sick bruh. We were supposed to take over the league together… I’m sorry,” after Rodgers tore his Achilles, is the only well-known face that can match Rodgers’ intensity.
Instead of “he was supposed to lead us,” and “we lost our QB.” He said: TOGETHER. That’s rare. That goes beyond a typical QB-DB interaction. Sauce was mourning the collapse of a duo. As if their success wasn’t a solo mission—it was a co-op campaign. And even on the field. Before a single snap, Sauce had Rodgers’ back. Sauce would frequently be the one to ease tension or close the generational divide between the veterans and the loudmouth rookies. He served as a link between the Gen-Z Jets locker room and Aaron Rodgers’ vintage Packers enthusiasm.
And honestly, it’s becoming more than just fan fiction to see Rodgers wearing a Steelers uniform; it’s approaching “plausible NFL chaos.” Since Pittsburgh has a good defense, rising weapons, and a coach who won’t recoil at a few ayahuasca jokes, they tick off many of Rodgers’ requirements. Mike Tomlin is dependable, well-respected, and simply allows Rodgers to be Rodgers. But the real question is: will he be able to bring Sauce along?
Aaron Rodgers wants familiarity but Sauce wants the Jets
You have obviously not been seeing the “I heart NY” vibe that emanates from Gardner throughout the offseason if you believe that Sauce Gardner will actually wear black and gold. The Jets organisation has been practically legally married to the All-Pro cornerback. He’s defended the team, doubled down on his commitment, and made it painfully obvious that he’s not interested in packing up and leaving—even if it’s for a reunion with Aaron Rodgers.
Ask Jersey Jerry of Barstool Sports, who tried to coax Sauce into Pittsburgh during a golf cart ride. What did Gardner say? A polite “Yeah, Tomlin is a cool coach for sure…but I love it here,” followed by a blunt reminder that making light of this is essentially tampering, even though Jersey Jerry isn’t yet an actual NFL executive. Translation? Nice try. But no, thank you!
And you know what? The Jets have no intention of playing matchmaker. Even if it’s just to give Aaron Rodgers his sunglasses and shimmy in black and gold, they have no interest in seeing their superstar corner leave. The Jets’ management has made it clear time and time again that they want to retain him and fellow emerging star Garrett Wilson for the long haul. In line with a culture shift that prioritises nurturing and keeping domestic talent, new head coach Aaron Glenn stated, “We’re in the business of keeping young, good players.” When questioned about possible extensions for both, even GM Darren Mougey added, “Those are good problems to have.” Translation again? We’ll pay. And we’ll keep them.
And don’t forget that Sauce has a guaranteed fifth-year option, and the Jets might even utilise the franchise tag in the future if necessary. His 2025 cap hit is now $10.6 million, which is a great deal for a guy with his background. According to Spotrac, his next contract will cost about $20.8 million AAV, and the Jets are aware that they will have to make the payment. As Sauce put it himself, “I can just get a new deal with the Jets this offseason too, man. I love it. I love New York.” Boom. Rumor dismissed.
The post NFL Rumors: Mike Tomlin to Bring Aaron Rodgers’ Best Friend to Pittsburgh if He Signs appeared first on EssentiallySports.
