Fansided

Report: Muhammad Wilkerson will attend New York Jets mini-camp

By Luke Dahlgren

Dec 28, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) laughs on the sideline during the second half against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) laughs on the sideline during the second half against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Jets Pro Bowl 3-4 defensive end was holding out for a better contract, but will reportedly be attending the team’s mini-camp.

The New York Jets have renewed hope in 2015, but a contract issue with star defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson has dampened the festive spirit of the fans. In anticipation of a new contract in 2016, Wilkerson decided to hold out from voluntary team activities this offseason.

Meanwhile, Wilkerson’s asking price appeared to balloon with the re-signing of the New Orleans Saints’ Cameron Jordan (5 years, $55 million) and the Buffalo Bills Jerry Hughes (5 years, $45 million) among others, all players with less significant impacts on their teams compared to Wilkerson. Wilkerson was hoping to get paid while his value was so high.

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So, the Jets have been without Wilkerson, while Wilkerson has kept himself busy doing greedy player things like hosting a charity bowling event. But the ordeal appears to be over for New York, and they will get to deflect their salary concerns for another year.

Wilkerson’s holdout could explain why the team decided to draft USC defensive end/tackle Leonard Williams with the sixth pick of April’s NFL Draft. To be fair, Williams status as the most solid and likely best all-around prospect in the draft contributed, but without Wilkerson’s holdout, the position is not one they need.

Now that Wilkerson returns to the Jets’ mini-camp, New York now has an outrageous defensive line of Wilkerson, Williams and Sheldon Richardson. The problem is that none of the three are an ideal fit as nose tackles in the Jets’ 3-4 defense, forcing one to the bench. Logic dictates that it appears to be the rookie Williams.

But if he outperforms Wilkerson, or even performs near his level, the Jets will have leverage in his contract re-negotiation when it comes around in 2016. With Williams waiting behind Wilkerson on the depth chart, the Jets can feel comfortable either low-balling Wilkerson or letting him walk.

Wilkerson will be a Jet in 2015, but this story isn’t going to go away. Wilkerson’s return delays the inevitable for at least another nine months.

[H/T: NJ.com]

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