Overview
- ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports a four-year, $9,836,918 deal with $8,946,359 guaranteed, citing agents Drew Rosenhaus and Dan Esteban.
- The large guarantee tracks with a league shift where second-round picks have pushed for more locked-in money on rookie deals.
- With Sauce Gardner gone, New York reshaped its cornerback room and Ponds is expected to compete right away, likely in the slot with chances outside.
- The 5-foot-8 defender, taken 50th overall, starred at Indiana in 2025 with 61 tackles, two interceptions including a score, and a Big Ten-best 11 pass breakups.
- Pro Football Rumors notes he is the Jets’ only Day 2 selection and now joins several other draft picks who have signed.