New York Jets: 5 Most Important Free Agents
By Nick Ziegler
Arguably the best player on the team, Muhammad Wilkerson, has finally reached his time to become a free agent. The Jets drafted Wilkerson with the 30th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, and he has become one of the best defensive ends in football. The Jets and Wilkerson were never able to a contract extension done with Wilkerson during the offseason last year, and now he will be a free agent.
.In five seasons with the Jets, Wilkerson has totaled 36.5 sacks and has been a force against the run with his length and strength.
In his contract year last season, Wilkerson had a career-year, as he totaled 12 sacks, three forced fumbles, and seven deflected passes. in Todd Bowles’ defense, Wilkerson really looked like he emerged as a top-tier pass-rusher. While Wilkerson is set to be a free agent, the Jets will in almost all certainty be using the franchise tag on him, as it would be shocking to see him leave.
Defensive ends have been getting paid a lot of money since JJ Watt set the bar very high a few years ago. Wilkerson isn’t quite on the level of Watt, but he is the Jets’ best defensive player and should be signed to a long-term deal this offseason.
Next: Ryan Fitzpatrick