Is the price tag for Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson too high and warding off interested NFL teams.
One of the biggest NFL rumors this offseason has been what the New York Jets will do with their star defensive end, Muhammad Wilkerson.
After showing an interest in re-signing Wilkerson last offseason, the Jets and Wilkerson never got a deal done, and then on draft night, the Jets selected defensive end, Leonard Williams. Many believed that the drafting of Williams would lead to Wilkerson being traded, but instead, the two played alongside each other last season.
This offseason, the Jets were once again in negotiations with Wilkerson, but once again nothing came of it, and they eventually placed their franchise tag on him. Now, the Jets still face the same question about what they want to do with the talented defensive end.
According to Rich Cimini of ESPN.com, the hope of a tag-and-trade for Wilkerson is going to be impossible.
"I spoke to officials from four different teams at the owners meetings, and they all said they’d be surprised if the Jets execute a tag-and-trade with Muhammad Wilkerson. “Next to impossible” was how one official described the chances of a deal happening. It’s not because teams doubt Wilkerson’s ability; it’s the price.Any team that trades for the Pro Bowl defensive end would have to pay the player (figure at least $50 million in guarantees) and compensate the Jets. The consensus is that anything less than a first-round pick would be highway robbery."
Jets’ general manager, Mike Maccagnan, obviously doesn’t want to get rid of one of the best defensive ends in football for nothing, as the Jets desire a first-round pick in return. Wilkerson is certainly worth a first-round pick, but it is very difficult for a general manager to give Wilkerson a long-term deal, and give the Jets a first-round pick.
Wilkerson is coming off of a great season with the Jets in 2015, as he totaled a career-high of 12 sacks, but has still yet to get the long-term deal he desires. With a tag-and-trade not looking likely, the Jets may end up keeping Wilkerson going into his contract year with the possibility of losing him in free agency next season without getting anything in return.
Depending on what happens with Ryan Fitzpatrick this offseason, the Jets may look to turn Wilkerson into a draft pick or a quarterback in a trade if they lose Fitzpatrick to another team. Wilkerson will surely be one of the most frequently mentioned names as a player who may be traded during the NFL Draft, and possibly before.
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