Fansided

NFL franchise tag players: Who gets signed?

By Matt Verderame

Dec 6, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) in the field during the fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) in the field during the fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 12, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) stretches before the game against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) stretches before the game against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports /

Muhammad Wilkerson

This is easily the toughest situation of the bunch to figure out. Wilkerson is one of the best players in the NFL, eclipsed at 3-4 defensive end only by the talents of J.J. Watt. Wilkerson is also young and coming off a huge season.

Last year, the 260year-old amassed 12 sacks t give him 36 throughout the first five years of his career. Wilkerson is also a beast against the run, consistently grading out among the best at his position. Combined with the considerable talents of both Sheldon Richardson and Leonard Williams, New York is loaded on the defensive line.

However, the Jets have backed themselves into a financial corner. The team is without a stable quarterback and is still trying to lure Ryan Fitzpatrick back on a multi-year deal. If the Jets can do that, cap space will need to be created. At this point, either Wilkerson will be traded or signed long-term, bringing down his 2016 cap figure of $15.7 million.

Considering the amount of talk coming out of Florham Park about the two sides being far apart, a trade seems likely. Wilkerson would net a haul of draft picks, including one first-round pick at the minimum. This would also open up space for Williams to start consistently and give New York ammunition to upgrade elsewhere.

Verdict: New York trades Wilkerson before training camp

Next: Justin Tucker

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