Ever the gentleman, Yankee captain Derek Jeter insisted this week that he doesn’t mind waiting until the end of the coming season — when he becomes a free agent — to negotiate a new contract.

“It’s unfair to talk about myself when we are trying to win,” he said, acknowledging a team policy against discussing terms before a current deal is up.

But that’s a rule that shouldn’t apply to Jeter, who deserves to finish his career in Pinstripes — no questions asked.

Over 14 full seasons in The Bronx, No. 2 has been a key part of five championship teams — providing consistent Hall of Fame-level play and loads of class.

Last year, he batted .334 and won a Gold Glove at shortstop while passing Lou Gehrig for the franchise hit record.

And he’s clear about his vision of the future. “This is where I want to be. I’ve never envisioned myself playing anywhere else,” he said this week.

Seconded Alex Rodriguez, “He’s our captain, and we need him here.”

So why put Jeter — not to mention his teammates and fans — through a nasty contract battle at the end of the year?

He, of all people, deserves better. The Steinbrenners and GM Brian Cashman need to make an exception for an exceptional Yankee.