After a long and contentious dispute, the New York Jets have agreed to a new contract with defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson, the team announced after Friday’s deadline. Wilkerson’s deal will pay him roughly $17 million per season, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network.
Jets, Muhammad Wilkerson agree on long-term deal
Wilkerson will not play 2016 under the franchise tag.
William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports
Wilkerson, who was franchised in March, railed for a long-term extension through the entirety of the offseason. He refused to sign his $15.7 million tender, insisting he’s worth more than a one-year commitment.
“Do I feel that they want me back? As of right now, no. I don’t feel like they want me,” Wilkerson said in June, via the New York Post. “I’m a talented guy. Everybody knows that. I feel like they’re going to get the best they can out of me and just let me go. That’s how I feel. Do I like that feeling? No. I’m a New Jersey guy, born and raised and would love to raise my family here.”
Wilkerson, 26, has been the subject of trade rumors for the last couple of years -€”-€” especially after the Jets drafted defensive lineman Leonard Johnson in the first round of the 2015 Draft. But Wilkerson responded with the best season of his career, recording 12 sacks to go along with 39 tackles.
“It’s shocking. It’s frustrating,” Wilkerson told the Post prior to the agreement. “Because I feel like I’ve earned [a new contract] and I deserve it. It would be different if I was just a mediocre player. I feel like each and every week I’m dominating and it’s showing. The stats speak for themselves. Basically, what more do I need to do? You know what I mean?”
Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall appeared to show support for Wilkerson in mid-June, when he tweeted that the NFL should abolish the franchise tag. Wilkerson skipped mandatory minicamp, which concluded June 16.
It's time to liquidate the Franchise Tag. #Business
— Due Season.. . (@BMarshall) June 16, 2016
The massive deals signed by other defensive linemen this offseason probably helped craft Wilkerson's agreement with the Jets. Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Fletcher Cox agreed to a six-year, $103 million contract June 13 and Olivier Vernon inked a five-year, $85 million deal at the start of free agency. The previous benchmark was J.J. Watt's six-year, $100 million deal, which he signed in 2014.
There’s little doubt that Wilkerson is one of the elite defensive linemen in the game. He’s been credited with 36.5 sacks in his five-year career as well as 184 tackles. Now that he’s on board, the Jets should have a ferocious pass-rush for years to come -€”-€” even though it cost them a pretty penny.
See More:
