Muhammad Wilkerson won’t hold out but isn’t progressing on a deal with New York Jets

New York Jets’ defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson is looking for a new contract. [restricted-category]

Since the Jets drafted the former Temple Owl with the 30th-overall selection in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft, he has turned himself into quite the player. He has amassed 181 tackles, 18.5 sacks, six forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and an interception in his three-year career. He has two years left on his rookie deal and will be making just $1.2 million this year. That’s why many believed Wilkerson may not report to camp when it opened on Thursday but Wilkerson said holding out was never an option.

“Holding out was never an option for me,” Wilkerson said via Jane McManus of ESPN New York. “I’m one of the leaders on this team. That wouldn’t be a good thing to do. That’s not the way a leader should lead his team. On the business side of things, everything will be handled when the time comes. Right now, if anybody has any other contract questions, I would say [Jets general manager] John Idzik is the man to ask.”

There is a chance Wilkerson and his camp grow frustrated – according to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, there is “no real progress”  on a deal between the Jets and Wilkerson. La Canfora adds he believes “that should be priority No. 1 for Jets front office in my opinion.”

Wilkerson has teamed with defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson to form a fantastic defensive line.

Last season, Wilkerson made 63 tackles, 10.5 sacks, forced two fumbles and even picked off a pass.