The New York Jets have signed defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson to a multi-year deal, the team announced.
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“I’m excited to be back with this great organization for another five years”, Wilkerson said in a video posted to the Jets’ official Twitter account. NFL Network reports the hastily arranged deal contains $54 million in guarantees over three years and $37 million fully guaranteed through year 2. Had the Jets not met the deadline, Wilkerson would have played the 2016 season under his $15.7 million franchise tag.
Wilkerson led the club with 12 sacks last season and was selected to his first Pro Bowl.
In the end, Wilkerson got what he wanted and the Jets get to keep a talented player.
In 16 games last season, he recorded 64 tackles and two forced fumbles. That created Friday’s deadline to get a contract done.
If the Jets had let Friday’s deadline pass without signing Wilkerson, he wouldn’t have been able to sign a long-term deal until after the season.
With Wilkerson under contract long-term, the Jets have a potent defensive front with Wilkerson, Sheldon Richardson, and Leonard Williams on the line.
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