Rich Cimini of ESPN New York reports that Jets GM Mike Maccagnan is scheduled to meet with the agent for defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson at the Combine this week.
- Cimini mentions that if the Jets are unable to get a long-term contract in place with Wilkerson before next February, Wilkerson is likely to receive the team’s franchise tag.
- Cimini adds that addressing Wilkerson is one of Maccagnan’s top priorities.
Jets owner Woody Johnson mentioned a few weeks ago that an extension for Wilkerson will be discussed at some point this offseason, so this shouldn’t come as a big surprise. It’s always a good sign when are setting aside time to meet to discuss the situation.
The Jets exercised Wilkerson’s fifth-year option, which means that he’ll make a base salary of $6.969 million for the 2015. Although, this salary is not guaranteed and won’t prevent the two sides from working out a long-term extension.
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.
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.
We’ll have more regarding Wilkerson and the Jets as the news is available.
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