Fansided

10 best 2016 NFL free agents

By Rucker Haringey

Dec 20, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) gets thrown to ground by Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman (24) during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim O
Dec 20, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) gets thrown to ground by Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman (24) during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim O /
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Muhammad Wilkerson
Oct 12, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) sacks Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Muhammad Wilkerson, New York Jets

The Jets have invested a lot of money and draft picks in their defense as of late, but Muhammad Wilkerson is still the star of their front seven. He’s the rare defensive end who plays equally well against the pass and the run, which will make him very expensive for the Jets to retain.

In fact, he’s the first player on this list that I fully expect to receive the dreaded franchise tag. I can’t see the Jets letting him walk or committing the dollars necessary to keep him in a long-term deal. Tagging a defensive end is very expensive, but it’s the most likely option in this instance.

By doing so, the Jets get to continue to build on what’s one of the best defenses in the NFL. If they let him walk they risk not only the production they currently enjoy from their defensive line, but also the ability to have Wilkerson continue to mentor their younger stars. He’s got value as a player and a leader for New York, and that’s why they can’t afford to let him go.

Next: Malik Jackson

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