Prince Amukamara’s eyes lit up this month when fellow NFL cornerbacks Richard Sherman and Joe Haden got new contracts worth $85 million in guaranteed money between them.
Amukamara can only dream of that kind of money after three nondescript seasons with the Giants, as he readily — and somewhat surprisingly — admitted Tuesday night.
“I don’t think I’ve really given them a return on their investment yet,” the former first-round pick said at the annual Jets-Giants Gridiron Gala at the Waldorf-Astoria. “I haven’t validated myself yet.”
Amukamara, who has just three interceptions in three years while battling injuries, was recently informed by the Giants they were picking up the fifth-year option on the rookie contract he signed in 2011.
Amukamara said he hasn’t had any talks with the Giants about a long-term deal.
“There’s been nothing beyond that, and I don’t expect them to,” the Nebraska product said. “But with that being said, I’m counting on this year being a huge year for me. The sky’s the limit for me.
“Seeing all these [rich cornerback contracts] gets me excited, but I’m more excited about my own performance and helping this team win.”
The Jets, meanwhile, fielded questions at Tuesday night’s even that centered almost entirely on the expected quarterback derby between incumbent Geno Smith and veteran addition Michael Vick.
Guard Willie Colon said Vick has been a model citizen with teammates during the offseason program.
“He’s been awesome,” Colon said of Vick. “Very humble. I haven’t seen any Hollywood from him at all.”
Colon, a seven-year NFL veteran who spent his first six seasons with the Steelers, added that he doesn’t fear the Jets’ quarterback battle will cause friction in the locker room like others famously have on other teams.
“I’m not worried about that because competition is good,” Colon said. “I think it’ll be healthy for us.”
Joe Namath, who also was in attendance at the gala, said he knows who he expects to win the Jets’ passer duel.
“If he’s healthy, Michael Vick is obviously the better player at this point,” Namath said. “Gosh, anybody who’s watched the NFL the past eight or nine years knows that.”