New York Jets star defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson is not expected to be at the team’s offseason workouts this year, according to a tweet from Manish Mehta of The New York Daily News.
Unsigned & franchised (& hoping to be traded/paid) Mo Wilkerson not expected to be at Jets voluntary workouts either https://t.co/aAuxon7HOa
— Manish Mehta (@MMehtaNYDN) April 16, 2016
Wilkerson was franchise tagged by the Jets earlier this offseason and has hinted, like many franchise tagged players, that he will not participate in offseason workouts in hopes of ultimately landing a long-term deal. Unfortunately for Wilkerson, a former first-round pick out of Temple, GM Mike Maccagnan doesn’t appear willing to give him that this year.
Wilkerson’s salary demands are as such that the Jets have explored the possibility of dealing him to another team that would be willing to give him the extension he so desires. He’s definitely great at what he does, posting 300 tackles, 36 sacks and nine forced fumbles in his five-year career, so there is definitely value in him.
But in the case of Wilkerson himself, he and the Jets only have until July 15 to reach a long-term deal. At that point, his only options are to play under the franchise tag, negotiate a new one-year deal or not play at all. That last option would obviously tank his overall value.
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*Featured Photo (above) credit to USA TODAY Sports