NFL Rumors: New York Jets exercise fifth year option for Muhammad Wilkerson

By Josh Hill | Apr 18, 2014

Dec 9, 2012; Jacksonville FL, USA; New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) celebrates sacking Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Chad Henne (not pictured) in the third quarter of their game at EverBank Field. The New York Jets beat the Jacksonville Jaguars 17-10. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports /

On Thursday night, the New York Jets followed in the footsteps of the Houston Texans and picked up the fifth year option of their star defensive end’s contract. According to Ian Rapoport from NFL Network, the Jets have decided that Muhammad Wilkerson is a guy they would like to keep and keep cheaper than he might otherwise come and have exercised the fifth-year option in his rookie contract.

#Texans exercised 5th-year option for JJ Watt, per his contract (as @FieldYates said). Jets did with Mo Wilkerson. Ravens & Jimmy Smith, too
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 18, 2014

While not quite on the level of J.J. Watt, who also saw the fifth-year of his rookie deal exercised, Wilkerson is coming off of a monster season and he’s in line to make a nice chunk of coin from New York.

The Jets are just prolonging the pain, putting off paying Wilkerson what he’s owed until next offseason, but at least they’ll get on more season out of him before he potentially breaks their bank.

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