2015 June - Pro Football Rumors

Month: January 2025

AFC North Notes: McCown, Carter, Thomas

June 7th, 2015 at 9:43am CST by Rory Parks

Much has been made of the Browns‘ quarterback situation heading into 2015, with a great deal of the discussion revolving around second-year signal-caller Johnny Manziel. But there has been significantly less attention devoted to the man who will more than likely be under center when Week 1 rolls around, Josh McCown.

McCown, signed to a three-year, $14MM contract this offseason, is not the solution at quarterback that Cleveland fans desperately seek. He is 35, and he has largely served as a backup in his 12 seasons in the league, compiling a 17-32 record as a starter. However, head coach Mike Pettine thinks that even if McCown is not the long-term answer, he does represent the next best thing. Pettine had this to say at yesterday’s Fan Fest (from Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal):

“Until you feel you’ve found what you would call a long-term solution, I don’t think we could have done any better than bringing in a guy like Josh McCown…It’s like having another coach on the field, and it’s all genuine. That’s the thing you like the most. Despite his age, people that have been at practice agree, he can still spin it. We didn’t just look to bring in a guy who was just going to be a mentor. We wanted a guy who we think can still play a little bit if you put him in the right circumstances. He’s been more than advertised.”

As Ulrich writes, Pettine’s comments, which were echoed by GM Ray Farmer, suggest that McCown is not only the favorite to win the starting job out of training camp this season, he is a lock.

Let’s check out a couple of more links from the AFC North:

As we learned several weeks ago, Browns safety Tashaun Gipson is the only restricted free agent who appears demonstratively unhappy with his contract situation, as he was offered a second-round tender rather than a first-round tender. As Tony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com writes, the Browns should have gone the extra mile and extended the first-round offer, which would have cost the team an extra $1MM but would have set a positive tone for extension talks. Grossi believes, however, that the situation could still be resolved amicably.
By releasing Jacoby Jones this offseason, the Ravens left themselves a hole at kick returner. One of the early favorites for that role, Michael Campanaro, has struggled with injury in his young career, and though cornerback Lardarius Webb was an effective returner a few years ago, injuries have taken their toll on him as well, and Baltimore does not want to risk losing their No. 2 corner to a special teams injury. As Clifton Brown of CSNBaltimore.com writes, that leaves the door wide open for undrafted free agent DeAndre Carter, the diminutive receiver who showed explosive speed at Sacramento State and whose chances to stick on the 53-man roster seem to increase with each passing day.
Shamarko Thomas has battled injury in his first two seasons in the league, but in the wake of Troy Polamalu‘s retirement, he now has the chance to establish himself as the Steelers‘ long-term answer at strong safety. Ralph N. Paulk of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review describes the work that Thomas has put in this offseason to ensure that he capitalizes on his opportunity, work that has not gone unnoticed by Thomas’ running mate st safety, Mike Mitchell.

AFC Notes: Steelers, Welker, Pats, Dolphins

June 6th, 2015 at 8:30pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The Steelers have invested a significant amount of money in their offensive line over the year, reaching extensions with both center Maurkice Pouncey and Marcus Gilbert. But as Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune writes, the left side of the club’s offensive line could be in flux, as both left tackle Kelvin Beachum and left guard Ramon Foster are eligible for free agency after the season. Per Kaboly, the Steelers have a policy of ending negotiations once the seasons gets underway, so the team has about three months during which to knock out long-term deals.

As much of the nation celebrates American Pharaoh becoming the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years, let’s look at some more notes from the AFC…

Responding to readers’ questions in his latest chat, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com opines that the Patriots are unlikely to be interested in a reunion with free agent receiver Wes Welker, calling the situation a “non-story” barring unforeseen injuries. Welker, 34, said last week he wouldn’t be opposed to retuning to New England.
On the topic of Patriots reunions, Reiss adds that he doesn’t expect the club to bring back offensive lineman Dan Connolly despite what looks to be a somewhat thin New England front five. Connolly, who started 13 games for the Pats last season, drew some early free agent interest but still hasn’t found a landing spot.
Though many in the Dolphins organization seem optimistic about the health status of left tackle Branden Albert, James Walker of ESPN.com believes Albert looked “far from ready” during the club’s OTA session. Albert tore his ACL and MCL during Week 10 of last season, so it’s certainly in question whether he’ll be ready for opening kickoff. Miami would presumably move Ja’Wuan James — who was excellent on the right side as a rookie last year — to left tackle, where he struggled mightily while filling in for Albert.

Extension Candidate(s): The Ravens’ Guards

June 6th, 2015 at 7:09pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Under new offensive coaches Gary Kubiak, Rick Dennison, and Juan Castillo, the Ravens offensive line of 2014 displayed perhaps the greatest improvement of any front five in the league from the season prior. After ranking as the NFL’s worst run-blocking unit and exactly average — No. 16 — in terms of pass-blocking in 2013 (according to Football Outsiders), Baltimore’s line graded as third-best in the pass game and No. 4 in the run game last season.

That level of success can be attributed to several factors, including Kubiak’s implementation of a zone-blocking scheme, the excellent play of center Jeremy Zuttah (acquired from the Buccaneers during the offseason), or the fact rookies John Urschel and James Hurst performed capably as fill-ins when injuries struck. But the foremost component that lead to Baltimore’s front five turnaround was the preeminent play of its interior lineman — left guard Kelechi Osemele and right guard Marshal Yanda — each of whom enters the final season of his contract.

The 30-year-old Yanda is the elder statesman of the two, having been drafted in 2007 and already having negotiated one extension with the Ravens (a five-year, $32MM deal signed in 2011). He’s probably also the better player — his +43.8 Pro Football Focus grade (subscription required) placed him atop the guard rankings, was nearly double that of the next highest guard, and put him well above Osemele, whose +21.6 mark placed him sixth at the position.

While Yanda does have the edge in experience, that also means that Osemele hasn’t yet endured the wear and tear of many 1,000-snap seasons along the interior. Osemele, a former second-round draft pick, won’t even turn 26 years old until later this month, and has has only 37 NFL games (all starts) on his ledger. Yanda, meanwhile, has played in 115 contests, but his only major injury scare came during his second season in the league, when he suffered a season-ending knee injury.

Because of Yanda’s longer track record, we can be more sure that his success is no fluke. He’s never finished outside the top-25 at his position per PFF — including 2010, when he started 15 games at right tackle — and he’s ranked among the top three guards in three of the past four seasons. Osemele, obviously, was impressive last season, but had little to no success during his first two NFL seasons. He was below-average as a tackle in 2012, and wasn’t much better in seven games at guard in 2013. Injuries sapped much of Osemele’s ’13 campaign, so perhaps now that he’s settled at one position and injury-free, his true talent is able to shine. But it’s hard to argue that Yanda is more a sure thing at this point.

Though the Ravens would surely like to retain both players, reports have indicated that the club will probably only be able to re-sign one, and for now, it seems like Yanda is the favorite to land a long-term deal. General manager Ozzie Newsome mentioned Yanda by name in May, but also seemed to leave the door open for Osemele. “If we don’t get it done [with Yanda],” said Newsome, “we’ll move on to the next.” Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reported the same last week, noting that Yanda would be the team’s primary target, with Osemele being a secondary option.

The fact that the Ravens would only retain one of their guards makes sense in that it fits in with NFL contractual trends. Most clubs seem averse to spending large chunks of cap space on two quality guards. Only four teams — the Falcons, Titans, Cardinals, and Packers — will employ two guards who have a 2015 cap hit in excess of $2.5MM. Tennessee and Arizona are only on that list because they spent first-round picks on guards, meaning only Atlanta and Green Bay will pay two veteran guards any sort of large sum.

Though it would be tough for any club to shell out long-term deals to both its starting guards, it could be especially difficult for Baltimore given the cap concerns it will face starting in 2016. Quarterback Joe Flacco‘s cap hit will jump to an astounding $28.55MM (second only to Ndamukong Suh‘s figure), while cornerback Jimmy Smith‘s extension will begin, increasing his cap figure to $9.6MM. The Ravens project to have just under $21.5MM in cap space available for 2016 (10th-least in the league), and while the club can make moves to create space — Flacco’s deal will likely be restructured, while Lardarius Webb and others could be released — financial room could be tight.

If they do hit the free agent market next March, both Yanda and Osemele will look to top the five-year, $40MM deal Mike Iupati signed with the Cardinals this offseason. Left guards, like Osemele and Iupati, earn more than their counterparts on the right, so Osemele will have an advantage in that regard. Osemele will be entering his age-27 campaign next year, while Iupati is already 28, and the former’s recent track record is superior to that of Iupati’s in his platform season. If Osemele maintains his production from 2014, there is no reason he shouldn’t match or exceed Iupati’s deal, especially given that he doesn’t intend to give Baltimore a hometown discount.

For his part, Yanda is already the highest-paid right guard, earning $6.4MM annually. Given his age and position, I think he’ll have a much more difficult time matching Iupati’s deal. Certainly, he is one the best (if not the best) at his position, but it’s hard to imagine a club spending ~$40MM on a lineman who will be entering his age-32 season in 2015. Hensley suggested in February that a four-year, $30MM pact would make sense for all parties involved, and while I agree on the length, I think Yanda could push for a higher AAV, perhaps asking for $8MM per, with $16-18M in guarantees.

Much of Yanda and Osemele’s value could be derived by maintaining their consistent play through this season. Will Osemele post another above-average campaign, cementing his status among the elite guards? Will Yanda stay healthy as he enters his thirties, and maintain his production as he ages? The answer to those questions will go a long way towards determining not only which guard scores a larger contract, but which stays in Baltimore long-term.

Photo courtesy of USA Sports Images.

NFC Links: Romo, Davis, Seahawks

June 6th, 2015 at 5:12pm CST by Sam Robinson

The NFL nixed next month’s inaugural National Fantasy Football Convention headed by Tony Romo due its proximity to casino property. The event was set for July 10-12 at the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino in Las Vegas.

Romo and other players who planned to participate could’ve been fined or suspended by doing so since it’s been a long-held league policy that players and personnel cannot hold events at casinos or participate in those connected to them. The sessions, however, were going to ensue at the Sands Expo and Convention Center, which doesn’t have gambling on site.

Rob Gronkowski, Antonio Brown, Dez Bryant, DeMarco Murray and others were set to join Romo at this event. The contingent of players was reportedly due more than $1MM in appearance fees.

“NFL has canceled our fantasy football convention this year in Vegas and that is disappointing. I’m sad for the fans and players,” Romo tweeted.

Here are some other late-afternoon notes from the NFC.

Jim Tomsula learned of Anthony Davis‘ plans via text message before Friday’s OTA practice, Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News reports. Inman notes some 49ers players likely knew of Davis’ intentions, but when one overheard it from a staffer, he replied, “Are you serious?” Inman designates Trent Brown as the primary successor option on the right edge.
In light of Junior Galette‘s recent pectoral injury that has him seeking additional opinions before committing to a recovery course of action, the Saints may further limit their top pass-pursuer to pass-rushing situations only when and if he returns this season, Nick Underhill of TheAdvocate.com reports. Anthony Spencer will have more of a certain role now, and Cameron Jordan may have to rush mostly from the outside on passing downs instead of taking on guards from a defensive tackle slot as he did at points last season.
Of the Legion of Boom bastions that reportedly needed offseason surgery, only Earl Thomas underwent a procedure, while Richard Sherman and Kam Chancellor are now fully healthy despite avoiding operations, reports Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times. Jeremy Lane, however, likely won’t be ready for the start of the season with knee and arm maladies. Will Blackmon as a result has the inside track on the Seahawks‘ nickel spot.
Down about 30 pounds to 320, Alvin Bailey will almost certainly be the Hawks’ new left guard, replacing the departed James Carpenter, notes Condotta in a series of observations from Seattle’s OTA sessions.

AFC Rumors: McCourty, Browns, Jaguars

June 6th, 2015 at 4:20pm CST by Sam Robinson

The free agency defections of Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner, coupled with the release of Kyle Arrington, have the Patriots with a thin cornerback crop. One solution thrown around is moving Devin McCourty back to corner from the safety spot where he’s become an impact talent, but the recently re-signed McCourty has little interest in moving back outside, per the Boston Globe’s Steve Silva.

“I want to play safety, but it’s out of my control so whatever the coaches decide is what it will have to be,” McCourty said to reporters after an OTA session Friday.

Relocating McCourty would leave New England thin on its back line as well, although Tavon Wilson and Nate Ebner are entering their fourth seasons with the team — profiles that generally depict starting-capable players in the era of four-year rookie deals. The 2012 draft picks have combined for just four starts, however. Doubting the Patriots’ ability to make a patchwork secondary productive would be foolhardy at this point, though, given their track record.

Let’s look at some additional points from around the AFC.

The Browns‘ special teams makeover now includes punter, kicker and long snapper, after acquiring Andy Lee, cutting Billy Cundiff and Garrett Hartley and releasing snapper Christian Yount, notes Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. 2014 rookies Travis Coons and Carey Spear are vying to take over at kicker in Cleveland, and rookie Duke Johnson is expected to become the team’s new kick returner, though Justin Gilbert will likely be given a chance to do so as well, Cabot reports.
Fourth-round free safety James Sample will miss at least part of training camp after fracturing his arm in a Jaguars OTA session Thursday, reports Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union. Sample underwent surgery on Friday. Expected to battle Sergio Brown for a starting position, Sample joins Dante Fowler Jr. as Jags rookies who’ve sustained serious injuries before shoulder pads enter the equation.
Steelers veteran nose tackle Steve McLendon said he played through a significant shoulder injury last season and after an offseason surgery is in better position to help out and push for a third contract with the team, reports Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The third-year starter is one of three Steelers starting defenders, along with Cameron Heyward and William Gay, entering a contract season. The 29-year-old who has missed six games the past two years is in the final year of a three-year, $7.25MM deal that represents the eighth-highest pact among nose tackles.
Third-round rookie John Miller is the frontrunner to start at left guard for the Bills this season, offers Sal Maiorana of the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. Chris Williams, who started three games last year for the Bills, hasn’t shown up to minicamp yet, and Rex Ryan told Maiorana he hasn’t spoken to the absent veteran. The Bills scribe doesn’t expect the former Bears flameout to be on the team much longer, especially if he doesn’t appear at mandatory minicamp next month.
Titans rookie Dorial Green-Beckham is seeking to trim down to 225 pounds by the time training camp begins. The mercurial specimen who hasn’t played in a game since 2013 is hovering in the high 230s now, notes The Tennessean’s Jim Wyatt.
Speaking of weight fluctuations, Melvin Ingram has slashed 20 pounds off his frame and sits at 245 this summer as he makes an attempt at a healthy campaign entering his fourth season with the Chargers, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune’s Michael Gehlken. Ingram hasn’t played in more than nine games since his rookie campaign in 2012.

NFC West Notes: Lee, Davis, Washington

June 6th, 2015 at 2:39pm CST by Sam Robinson

Anthony Davis‘ sudden retirement announcement and caveat this may be a boxing-style sabbatical rather than a move similar to ex-teammates Patrick Willis or Chris Borland will feature financial ramifications.

Should Davis indeed return next season or in 2017, it will likely cost him the signing bonus money he intends to pay back to the 49ers, writes Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. The 49ers will place the right tackle on their reserve/retired list, retaining his rights and locking in his 2015 salary for the next season in which Davis plays, if he does. But Florio notes the 2011 labor deal doesn’t contain language about a player returning to the game’s ability to recoup signing bonus money he returned, which could lead to the 49ers and the NFL management council to argue that the bonus money is gone forever. In Davis’ case, that figure is $4.66MM.

NFL Insiders also suggest to Florio that Davis could have said his 2014 concussion was limiting his ability to play and force the 49ers to either cut him or place him on injured reserve instead of him retiring with a much bigger hint at a return to the game than most who retire offer, complicating this process.

Here are a few other Saturday-afternoon items from the NFC West.

Retirement, trades or free agency have besieged the 49ers’ Pro Bowl contingent of its roster, which was one of the league’s healthier stables last season, writes Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle. The team’s trade of Andy Lee marked the fifth Pro Bowl performer — after Mike Iupati and Frank Gore‘s traditional exits, and the retirements of Patrick Willis and Justin Smith — San Francisco has lost in the past three months.
The 33-year-old Lee, midway through a six-year, $20.5MM extension he signed in 2012, will make $2.55MM this season in Cleveland, but his cap figure balloons to $4.13MM by 2018, writes Branch. Assuming Lee’s spot, 21-year-old draftee Bradley Pinion led all Power 5 conference punters with 33 induced fair catches, according to Pro Football Focus. The ex-Clemson punter who’s stood out this offseason with the 49ers flashed potential in high school with a 100-yard kickoff at a national showcase.
Daryl Washington‘s murky future remains, especially after the Cardinals linebacker’s agent hasn’t exactly been timely with paperwork, reports Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic. Eligible for reinstatement 60 days prior to the one-year anniversary of his suspension (May 30, 2014), Washington has yet to force any action from Roger Goodell since agent Jordan Woy hasn’t submitted his reinstatement application. Woy plans to do so soon, but as Somers points out, a player who’s met the criteria to return and has the desire to do so would’ve probably had the application submitted the first day it was permitted.
The Rams are shuttling three candidates into first-team reps, with Tim Barnes, Demetrius Rhaney and Barrett Jones vying to replace Scott Wells, reports Joe Lyons of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Second-year pro Rhaney, from Tennessee State, received the first snapping work on Friday after spending last season on IR.
Greg Robinson‘s shed 20 pounds and is working out at 319 currently, notes Lyons. The 2014 No. 2 overall pick is still recovering from offseason toe surgery.

NFC Mailbags: Washington, Glennon, Panthers, McClain

June 6th, 2015 at 11:33am CST by Ben Levine

It’s Saturday, and that means ESPN.com’s NFL writers are opening their mailbags and answering questions from readers. Let’s take a look at some interesting notes from the NFC…

If DeSean Jackson struggles in 2015, John Keim could envision the wideout playing elsewhere in 2016. Washington selected Jamison Crowder in the fourth round, so they have young wideouts to move forward with. However, if the veteran produces, Keim could see the Pro Bowler sticking around.
Pat Yasinskas believes Mike Glennon will spend this season with the Buccaneers, even if the quarterback has a good preseason and improves his trade value. The 25-year-old is a solid backup, and the writer believes the team would have already dealt Glennon if they had any intention to move him.
With the Cam Newton deal wrapped up, David Newton would expect the Panthers to sign linebacker Thomas Davis to a new deal prior to training camp. Since Luke Kuechly will definitely be on the roster for the 2016 season, the writer believes the team won’t rush to sign the former Defensive Player of the Year.
When asked why Rolando McClain took so long to opt for surgery, Todd Archer clarified that surgery is always a “last-case option.” However, the writer questions why the Cowboys linebacker hasn’t been at Valley Ranch for rehab.

NFC Links: Vereen, Foles, Cowboys, Vikings

June 6th, 2015 at 10:22am CST by Rob DiRe

It was presumably a tough decision for running back Shane Vereen to leave the Super Bowl-winning Patriots to join the Giants. The tough choice may have ultimately come down to the G-Men wanting the running back more, and the various recruiting calls, including one from Odell Beckham Jr., clearly left an impression with the 26-year-old.

“I asked around [about the Giants] with guys who played here, a couple guys in California I work out with, and previously I had met Odell [Beckham, Jr.],” Vereen said (via MMQB’s Jenny Vrentas). “So I hit them up, trying to talk to them and learn things I didn’t know. They filled me in.

“[Beckham Jr.] said it was a young team with a lot of talent. He loves it here, and he was excited for this upcoming season. That was really all I needed to hear. I love when guys are excited to be somewhere. That makes me want to be there and excited for the growth.”

Let’s take a look at some more notes from around the NFC…

Nick Foles may have wore out his welcome with the Eagles, but the Rams are excited to have him. The receivers are especially thrilled, writes Chris Wesseling of NFL.com. Two top targets, Kenny Britt and Jared Cook, both expressed their enthusiasm for the new quarterback’s abilities.
The running back position for the Cowboys is in flux, and Lance Dunbar will be fighting Ryan Williams for a spot on the roster again this season, according to Bob Sturm of DallasNews.com. Dunbar’s a limited player, but his abilities on special teams should give him the edge on Williams in terms of a roster spot.
New Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer walked into a tough situation amid the ongoing feud between Adrian Peterson and the organization. However, has has handled it quite brilliantly, without looking like a puppet for management or sucking up to Peterson, according to Albert Breer of NFL.com. “A lot of it was … It was tough for Adrian. It was tough for the Vikings, as well. So trying to be fair to both sides was important,” Zimmer said. “I always want to support my players, and still do the best thing for our football team.”

Ben Levine contributed to this post.

AFC Notes: Jags, Broncos, Chargers, Jets

June 6th, 2015 at 9:34am CST by Rob DiRe

Jaguars coach Gus Bradley was quick to praise receiver Allen Robinson on Friday. The 21-year-old wideout broke his foot in November, but he’s already proven why the organization used a second-round pick on him.

“He had a really good day today,” Bradley said (via Ryan O’Halloran of Jacksonville.com). “Sometimes you come back from an injury like that and you wonder about the confidence level. He’s playing with a lot of confidence – he jumped right to the front of the line [during drills]. He has some ownership and he’s going to take advantage of his opportunities. I think he missed being out and he’s not going to miss out on [his chances].”

In ten games as a rookie, Robinson compiled 48 catches for 548 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Let’s check out some more notes from around the AFC…

Demaryius Thomas has not reported for voluntary workouts with the Broncos this offseason, and Lindsay H. Jones of USA Today writes that this is one of the negative effects of the franchise tag. While fellow franchise-tagged players Stephen Gostkowski and Dez Bryant have both been spotted amongst the team, the tag has been license to not workout with the team in most other cases.
The Chargers have not been extremely cooperative with the efforts to get a new stadium built in San Diego, and one might even accuse them of trying to sabotage those plans in order to have a clear path to Los Angeles, writes Kevin Acee of the U-T San Diego. Acee presents a timeline along with a compelling case that the Charger’s were never interested in staying in San Diego.
The NFL wants two teams in Los Angeles (the Chargers and Raiders) to share the new stadium, according to Carmen Policy, advisor on the possibility of building a stadium, according to Daniel Kaplan of the Sports Business Journal (via Twitter). He adds that this does not bode well for the Inglewood proposal.
Muhammad Wilkerson‘s contract situation is definitely the biggest question mark left on the table for the Jets this offseason, and Field Yates of ESPN highlights one player or contract that most desperately needs to be addressed in the near future for each NFL team, from extensions and restructuring to front office and cap management issues (subscription required).

Ben Levine contributed to this post.

Muhammad Wilkerson On Contract Situation

June 5th, 2015 at 8:30pm CST by Rob DiRe

Muhammad Wilkerson was available to the media at his charity bowling event in New Jersey, and it was an opportunity to ask him about his current contract situation with the Jets.

Wilkerson is unsure if he will be attending minicamp next week under the cloud of contract uncertainty, writes Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com (via Twitter).

While Wilkerson did not give an explicit reason for skipping voluntary workouts, it can be assumed unhapiness with his contract was a major factor. Despite the uncertainty, Wilkerson is still hopeful that he will be able to come to terms on a long-term deal sooner rather than later, according to Cimini (via Twitter).

The former first-round pick from the 2011 NFL Draft has made a legitimate case for himself as the second best 3-4 defensive end in the league, after the possibly immortal J.J. Watt. According to Pro Football Focus, Wilkerson graded out as the second-best at his position in 2012 and third-best in 2014 (subscription required). Watt finished first in each of the past three seasons.

What complicates his contract situation is the player who finished second in Pro Football Focus’ grades last season, Wilkerson’s teammate and fellow first-round selection Sheldon Richardson. Adding potential star Leonard Williams with the fifth-overall pick in this past NFL Draft hurt Wilkerson’ leverage even further.

The process has clearly taken its toll on his patience. Brian Costello of the New York Post reports Wilkerson’s frustration with the Jets organization in this matter, (via Twitter).

“I just thought you work hard on the field,” said Wilkerson. “Do what you got to do on and off the field and that’s how you’re supposed to get rewarded.”

Even with the frustration, Wilkerson was aware enough to admit he understands how the contract negotiations are difficult and is remaining positive about staying with the Jets, according to Costello (via Twitter).

Still, as a player who is among the first draft class that came into the league under the current rules that prevent rookies from doing much negotiation on their first contracts, Wilkerson is unfamiliar with what it is like to deal with an organization regarding his future with the team. Cimini writes that the former Temple standout is looking to sign a long-term contract (via Twitter).

“I guess it takes a long time,” said Wilkerson. “This is new to me, but hopefully something will get done soon.”

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