Jets DE Muhammad Wilkerson reported to the start of training camp on Wednesday, even though there had been previously that he could hold out for a new contract.
Rich Cimini of ESPN New York reports that Wilkerson plans play out the final season of his deal if the two sides are unable to reach an agreement on a long-term before the regular season.
Jason Cole of the Bleacher Report reported a few weeks ago that the fallout from DE Sheldon Richardson‘s recent four-game suspension could shift the Jets’ focus to a contract extension for Wilkerson.
However, Cimini mentions that there doesn’t appear to be a great deal of urgency to do so right now.
Wilkerson, 25, is already among the best defensive linemen in the NFL and has clearly earned for a big raise. The Jets will still have their franchise tag at their disposal in 2016 in case negotiations don’t go anywhere over the next year, which would run them around $16 million.
In 2014, Wilkerson appeared in 13 games and recorded 56 tackles, six sacks, one forced fumble and and five pass defenses. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 3 defensive end in a 3-4 system.
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