The deadline for teams to designate one of their free agents with the franchise tag is 4 pm tomorrow but according to Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News and the NFL Network’s Kimberly Jones the Jets will indeed use the tag on Muhammad Wilkerson.
Advertisement
It was the right decision.
It will cost them Q$15.7 million. However, if the two sides can’t reach an agreement on an extension by July 15 then it will make it all the more likely 2016 would be his final year with the Jets. Good luck with that.
The 26-year-old Wilkerson, selected for his first Pro Bowl, had a career-high 12 sacks in Bowles’ defense. The bigger question is… “By rule, the Jets would receive two first-round picks as compensation if they decline to match an offer sheet”. He was also responsible for seven pass deflections. Harrison is expected to be a popular target in free agency.
With only about $21 million projected in cap space, Wilkerson’s franchise tender would greatly hinder the Jets ability to sign other free agents. He remained tight-lipped on the Jets’ plans last week at the National Football League combine in Indianapolis, but it appeared both Wilkerson and nose tackle Damon Harrison were possible candidates for the tag. Whatever ammount Wilkerson was asking for 2016, expect that figure to go up slightly and cost the Jets more if they want to sign him to a long term deal after the season.
Advertisement
The third defensive end in this story, rookie Leonard Williams, had a decent 2015 season. He realizes that it will be impossible to keep everyone involved. “Obviously we’d like to have him with the organization going forward, but… all options are on the table….” NY will have their trio of studs returning for next season, but they may be going through the same thing with new faces.
