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Muhammad Wilkerson: ‘I don’t feel like they want me’

By Matt Verderame

Nov 29, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) reacts to the crowd in the second half of the Jets 38-20 victory over the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) reacts to the crowd in the second half of the Jets 38-20 victory over the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Jets are not making Muhammad Wilkerson a priority, and he’s not happy.

New York went 10-6 last year but missed the playoffs. For fans, that now seems to be the high-water point for a team making some curious decisions.

The Jets applied the franchise tag to defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson in February and have not made much progress in working toward a new deal. Now, Wilkerson is upset and annoyed with the franchise, with the 26-year-old lashing out in the media, per the New York Post.

"“Do I feel that they want me back? As of right now, no. I don’t feel like they want me,” Wilkerson told the New York Post. “I’m a talented guy. Everybody knows that. I feel like they’re going to get the best they can out of me and just let me go. That’s how I feel. Do I like that feeling? No. I’m a New Jersey guy, born and raised and would love to raise my family here.”"

Wilkerson is one of the best players in the game, and has seen some of his contemporaries get paid huge dough in recent days. Fletcher Cox and the Philadelphia Eagles came to terms on a six-year deal worth $103 million with $63 million guaranteed this June, despite Cox being at least one year away from free agency.

Last year, the Buffalo Bills made sure to lock up defensive tackle Marcell Dareus on a massive six-year, $95 million deal with $60 million guaranteed. Yet Wilkerson, who has amassed 36 sacks over his first five years (including a pair of double-digit campaigns), is being slighted by the only team he has ever played for.

This move by the Jets is only made more shocking by the team’s salary cap situation. Right now, Wilkerson counts as a $15.7 million cap hit in 2016 with New York only having $3.1 million of cap space. If general manager Mike Maccagnan signed Wilkerson long-term, he would likely open up around $10 million of cap space for this season, allowing him to pursue free-agent quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick with a legitimate offer.

Next: Every NFL Team's Biggest Draft Whiff Of All-Time

For now, the Jets have Geno Smith starting under center while their best player is readying himself to walk after this season.

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