New York Jets Sheldon Richardson Thinks Muhammad Wilkerson Deserves Big Money
New York Jets defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson doesn’t look any closer to agreeing to a new deal, and his teammate Sheldon Richardson discusses it.
Headlines for the New York Jets this season have been dominated by the contract talks with quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. But, he is not the only high profile player on the team without a contract for the 2016 season, as Muhammad Wilkerson is also at an impasse with the team for his next deal.
Wilkerson was slapped with the franchise tag this offseason, but has yet to sign the tender. He is looking for a big money contract extension, but the Jets have yet to truly engage him in any talks. They have been focused on bringing back Fitzpatrick, but being as cash strapped as they are, the talks have been slow.
Things only got worse for the Jets when the Philadelphia Eagles handed Fletcher Cox a monster contract, as he reportedly agreed to a six-year, $103 million extension with $63 million guaranteed.
This has left Wilkerson upset and frustrated with the Jets. He is a better player than Cox across the board, as he has more career sacks, forced fumbles and passes defended. Wilkerson spoke out about the frustrations, saying, “It’s shocking. It’s frustrating,” Wilkerson told Brian Costello of the New York Post. “Because I feel like I’ve earned it and I deserve it. It would be different if I was just a mediocre player. I feel like each and every week I’m dominating and it’s showing. The stats speak for themselves. Basically, what more do I need to do? You know what I mean?”
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Wilkerson is not the only person that believes he deserves a big contract, as his fellow defensive lineman and teammate Sheldon Richardson believes that Wilkerson should get paid big money.
“It happens, you know, it happens,” Richardson said of the Wilkerson situation. “We don’t have the money for it and Mo deserves it, so it is what it is.”
Richardson also discussed how this impacted his situation. While Wilkerson is upset, Richardson is smiling ear to ear. “It’s a great time to be a defensive lineman, a great time,” Richardson said Thursday at the conclusion of the Jets’ mandatory minicamp.
Richardson has been an outstanding player in his own right since the Jets selected him in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft. Richardson had his option picked up for the 2017 season, but he is destined to land a monster contract in the coming years as well.
Next: 5 Trade Proposals With Muhammad Wilkerson
Richardson is as good as they come in the middle of the defensive line, but his off-field troubles have clouded his future a bit. If he can stay out of trouble, and continue dominating on the field, Richardson will be in line for huge contract much like the one Wilkerson is still hoping to land.