Jets release Muhammad Wilkerson after seven seasons

After seven seasons with the New York Jets, Muhammad Wilkerson will be looking for a new team after being released on Wednesday afternoon.

The New York Jets look very different than they did on Wednesday morning. After getting the news of running back Matt Forte’s retirement, the team went ahead and released defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson.

Wilkerson, 28, played for seven seasons with Gang Green, earning Second-Team All-Pro honors in 2013 and 2015. However, the former first-round pick out of Temple has not been nearly as productive over the last two seasons, notching a combined eight sacks after totaling 12 in ’15.

The major knock on Wilkerson is that his game went south the minute he was paid. The 6-foot-4,  315-pounder signed a five-year deal worth $86 million in July ’16. However, the Jets were so desperate to rid themselves of the player and contract that general manager Mike Maccagnan took on $9 million in dead money this year before another combined $9 million over the following two campaigns.

Spinning it forward, the free-agent market for Wilkerson is expected to be robust. Although there are legitimate concerns about his motor, the veteran should be motivated to get another large contract and with the dearth of pass-rushers in free agency, there will be interest.

Next: Best NFL player from each state

A couple of fits include the Chicago Bears and Kansas City Chiefs. Both teams are predominantly 3-4 and need more in the pass rush department. Kansas City also has defensive coordinator Bob Sutton, who was with the Jets as a defensive assistant throughout Wilkerson’s first two seasons.