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New York Jets Rumors: Chicago Bears An Option For Muhammad Wilkerson?

By Kenneth Teape

Nov 29, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) celebrates his sack of Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17)(not shown) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) celebrates his sack of Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17)(not shown) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Jets Rumors: If the Jets do indeed move Muhammad Wilkerson, the Chicago Bears make a lot of sense as a landing spot.

New York Jets rumors will begin picking up again as we get closer and closer to the NFL Draft. A lot of those rumors will be revolving around franchise tagged defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson.

It is no secret that the Jets would like to find a way to move Wilkerson via a trade. It would get his massive contract off the books so that they could negotiate with quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, while also net the Jets another top pick to continue adding to their roster. A tag-and-trade is what the Jets have been hoping for, but thus far it has been quiet.

The asking price is not something many teams would be willing to pay, as giving away a top pick and massive money at this stage in the offseason is not something many teams can do. While some can afford the draft pick compensation, they do not have the money to give Wilkerson the contract he desires. And the team’s that may have the cap space to absorb him do not want to part ways with a top pick.

It has left the Jets in a conundrum, as their franchise player is in limbo. After watching top defensive tackle Damon Harrison leave as a free agent to the New York Giants, one would think the Jets would be more inclined to hold onto Wilkerson, as losing two top players along the defensive line would be crippling. But, the Jets do have some options to replace Wilkerson if need be, such as Sheldon Richardson and last season’s first round pick Leonard Williams.

If Wilkerson is going to be moved, keep an eye on the Chicago Bears. According to ESPN New York’s Rich Cimini, the Bears are one of the teams to watch if the Wilkerson sweepstakes pick up. From a compensation perspective as to what the Jets would receive, and a money perspective for the Bears, it would be a match.

The Bears have the 11th overall pick in this year’s draft, which Cimini thinks would be enough to entice the Jets to move Wilkerson. Cap space is not a problem for the Bears, as they have $23.7 million in cap room still available this offseason, so fitting Wilkerson in would not be a problem.

If the Jets are serious about moving Wilkerson, this is a deal they would pursue. It would be a win for everyone involved; the Jets would get something of value back for Wilkerson instead of losing him for nothing as a free agent, while the Bears would continue re-shaping their defense.

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Wilkerson would be the last missing piece for the Bears along the defensive line next to Eddie Goldman, while the linebackers were greatly upgraded as well with Danny Trevethan and Jerrell Freeman. Acquiring Wilkerson would be the cherry on top of a strong offseason for a Bears team that looks greatly improved on paper.

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