NFL Rumors: Muhammad Wilkerson, Eagles, Panthers, & Rams

Muhammad Wilkerson

A few ESPN writers take a look at some potential landing spots for Jets DE Muhammad Wilkerson, who is reportedly on the trading block.

• Phil Sheridan writes that the Eagles could havee some interest in Wilkerson, depending on what happens with DL Fletcher Cox. However, Sheridan doesn’t consider a deal for Wilkerson to be very likely.
• Jeff Dickerson mentions that the Bears have plenty of cap space to sign Wilkerson to a big-money deal, but the issue for them would likely be compensation.
• According to Michael DiRocco, the Buccaneers could still use a pass-rusher of Wilkerson’s caliber, and they the No. 9 overall to include in a deal. One issue for them could be the fact that they have just $19.5 million in available cap space.
• Michael Rothstein adds that while Wilkerson would fit what the Lions are trying to do on defense, it’s hard to say there would be a lot of interest, considering the cost.

Eagles

Jason La Canfora isn’t buying the Eagles’ interest in this year’s crop of quarterbacks, even though they’ve traveled and met with a number of the top prospects in recent weeks.

“The Eagles want the world to think they are taking a quarterback to create a further market for someone to trade up to land the second or third quarterback in this draft by trying to convince everyone that they’ll go ahead and take a quarterback if you don’t move up to do business with them,” writes La Canfora.

Panthers

Panthers ILB Luke Kuechly said he is on schedule in his recovery from shoulder surgery he had this offseason.

“It’s been good. I’ve just been here (in the training room) for the most part,” said Kuechly, via the Panthers’ official site. “I’m feeling better and it just takes time. It’s a process and these guys do a great job. We’re on schedule.”

Rams

• Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports writes that the Rams need to draft a quarterback early this year, despite their insistence that Case Keenum could be their starter.
• La Canfora believes it would “defy logic on many levels” for the Rams to not draft a quarterback.
• La Canfora adds that the Rams should serious explore their options when it comes to moving up in round one, possibly into the Top 10 and get either Carson Wentz or Jared Goff.