Record new deals for Gardner, Smith

The Jets are making two-time All-Pro Sauce Gardner the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL. The two sides agreed on a four-year, $120.4 million extension through the 2030 season, according to reports Tuesday. Gardner took to social media to report “THE DEAL IS DONE” and thank his agents for making that happen. “This only the beginning,” Gardner posted. “I appreciate the Jets organization for believing in me, my teammates for the blood, sweat (and) tears we put in.” Gardner, who turns 25 before Week 1, was the No. 4 pick overall in the 2022 draft out of Cincinnati. He established himself as one of the league’s top corners during his first two pro seasons, including being selected the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year. “Man, I just wanted to show my teammates, show the coaches how much I’m bought into his,” Gardner said. “I want to win. ... I want to be a part of changing the organization.” Also Tuesday, the Chiefs beat the deadline to sign franchise-tagged guard Trey Smith to a multiyear contract by reportedly agreeing to terms on a $94 million deal with $70 million guaranteed. His average salary of $23.5 million annually makes the 26-year-old Smith the highest-paid player at the position.

Raleigh’s HR Derby win a family affair

Cal Raleigh approached the All-Star Home Run Derby like a day on the lawn. Dad was on the mound and baby brother was behind the plate. Only this time, there were tens of thousands looking on at Truist Park and a $1 million prize. “It goes all the way back to him coming home and me forcing him to throw me a ball and hit it in the backyard or in the house,” a beaming Cal said, flanked by Todd and Todd Jr. after defeating the Rays’ Junior Caminero 18-15 in the final round Monday night in Atlanta. Todd Raleigh, former coach of Tennessee and Western Carolina, threw the pitches and Cal’s 15-year-old brother, Todd Raleigh Jr., did the catching. A first-time All-Star at age 28, Cal became the first switch-hitter and first catcher to win the title. He’s the second Mariners player to take the title after three-time winner Ken Griffey Jr. “Anybody that’s ever played as a kid dreams of stuff like this,” Cal’s dad said. “I dreamed of it. He dreamed of it. When you’re a parent, you look at it differently because you want your kids to be happy.” Raleigh leads the majors with 38 home runs.

Top amateur women’s golfer goes pro

Top-ranked amateur Lottie Woad announced Tuesday she will turn professional, two days after nearly winning a major title. The 21-year-old Englishwoman followed her victory by six shots at the Women’s Irish Open on the Ladies European Tour on July 6 by finishing in third place — just one stroke off the pace — at the Evian Championship on Sunday. She didn’t win any prize money at either tournament because she was amateur. However, her good finish at the Evian secured enough points to seal LPGA Tour membership through its Elite Amateur Pathway. It means she is ditching her college career at Florida State University with one year left. “I am very excited to announce that I have decided to turn professional,” she wrote on social media. “ I’m delighted to have secured a(n) LPGA card through the LEAP. I’m also happy to accept membership of the Ladies European Tour for 2026. Thank you to everyone who has helped me get to this position.” Woad is set to make her first start as a pro at the Women’s Scottish Open next week. The British Women’s Open, the final major of the year, is at Royal Porthcawl starting July 30.

—Associated Press