Jets GM Mike Maccagnan didn’t offer much in regards to a possible extension for DE Muhammad Wilkerson when asked about the current status of the situation on Thursday.
“Muhammad’s obviously a very good player, and we definitely want to keep him in the organization,” Maccagnan said.
Last we heard regarding an extension for Wilkerson, the two sides were scheduled to meet at the Combine. However, there hasn’t been any updates since then.
The Jets still have a decent amount of cap space to work with, but Maccagnan mentioned that he doesn’t want to put a time table on anything.
“We have the ability and we’ve allocated resources potentially to do that with him,” Maccagnan said. “But again, that’ll be something that will kind of unfold here at some point in time in the future. But I don’t want to put a timetable on it to create any undue stress or pressure.”
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.
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