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NFL Rumors: Jets likely to franchise tag Muhammad Wilkerson

By Rory Ostrow

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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With no long-term agreement in sight, Jets will likely franchise Muhammad Wilkerson

This Tuesday marks the beginning of the period where NFL teams can franchise tag players, and with no long-term deal in place ESPN’s Rich Cimini predicts that the Jets will use the franchise tag on star defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson. The deadline to tag a player is March 1, which gives the Jets two weeks to decide the future of Wilkerson.

Right now, the predicted defensive end franchise tag, based on a salary cap of $154 million, would be 15.5 million. The Jets have about $14 million in cap space to work with currently, but they can clear some space for Wilkerson by cutting a few players. Some players who might be on the chopping block include running back Chris Ivory, cornerback Antonio Cromartie, and defensive tackle Damon Harrison.

Ivory was a force in the beginning of the season, but his hard running style led itself to nagging lower body injuries that hampered him as the season went on. Cromartie is owed $8 million this season, but Marcus Williams seems to be a cheaper and an adequate replacement as Williams was fifth in the league in interceptions while playing on only 26.9% of snaps. Damon Harrison helped anchor a Jets run defense that was 2nd in the league, but he may be too pricy this offseason for GM Mike Maccagnan.

Wilkerson’s talent is undeniable, as he led the Jets in sacks with 12.0, but his talent carries a high price. He is one of the best at his position in the league and now he wants to be paid like it. The two sides have until July 15 to get a long term deal in place. If they can’t come to an agreement, Wilkerson will likely play this season under the franchise tag.

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