New York Jets: 5 Reasons They Should Keep Sheldon Richardson
By Nolan Rich
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There was a debate on who the Jets would invest a long-term contract with first between Richardson and Wilkerson. With Richardson’s suspensions, the Jets choose to invest a long-term deal with Wilkerson, but there is still a chance that Richardson could get a long-term deal.
Wilkerson was abysmal last year after receiving his large contract, and while some of the blame could be pointed at his slow recovery from a broken leg. However, If Richardson has a big 2017 and Wilkerson struggles again next season, it is possible for New York to invest in Richardson and cut ties with Wilkerson.
If the Jets move or cut Wilkerson before March of 2018 the would incur $9 Million of dead cap, however that’s is spaced out as $3 Million over three years. Despite the hit the team would save the team $49 Million in cap space.
The team could get trade value for Wilkerson or with the money they save could invest in the younger Richardson and build the defensive line around both him and Leonard Williams.
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This could be a topic of discussion moving forward for the Jets organization and could also Wilkerson get to play at an all pro level once again. A worst case scenario, but it would be a backup plan that the Jets could have if Richardson remains in the fold.