The Jets are “fully prepared” to release defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson if he posts another disappointing campaign in 2017, according to Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News. Wilkerson graded as a bottom-15 edge defender last season, per Pro Football Focus, and sources tell Mehta that Gang Green isn’t happy with Wilkerson’s conditioning or motivation level. Speaking earlier this year, however, head coach Todd Bowles admitted Wilkerson was playing through injury in 2016, and the cost of cutting Wilkerson could also prove prohibitive. Even if he were designated as post-June 1 release, Wilkerson would count for $9MM in dead money over the 2018-19 seasons.
Here’s more from the AFC East:
- After leaving last night’s game against the Chiefs with a knee injury, Patriots linebacker Dont’a Hightower has escaped with only a minor MCL sprain, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. New England gets a 10-day break before playing again, so it’s possible Hightower will be able to suit up when the Pats face the Saints in Week 2. If Hightower can’t go, New England will likely turn to fellow ‘backers David Harris and Elandon Roberts to take on more snaps.
- Wide receiver Jeremy Kerley reached out to the Jets and Bowles immediately after being cut by the 49ers last week, reports Rich Cimini of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Kerley, of course, is now in his second stint with New York, as he spent 2011-15 with the club. The 28-year-old re-signed with San Francisco on a three-year deal that contained $2.8MM in guarantees, but was still handed his walking papers on Saturday. The Jets are now paying him the minimum to add experience to their youthful receiving corps.
- Former Texans safety Robert Nelson worked out for the Jets today, per Rapoport (Twitter link). Nelson, 27, played in 11 games for Houston a year ago, and while he spent most of his time on special teams, he did manage one interception. New York ranked dead last in special teams DVOA in 2016, so Nelson could help out there, while the club is also fielding two rookie safeties in Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye, so adding a defensive back with experience such as Nelson could make sense.
- Patriots defensive end Geneo Grissom is the NFL’s highest-paid practice squad player at $36,716 per week, tweets Field Yates of ESPN.com. That’s an active roster salary for a player of Grissom’s experience (two accrued seasons), a clear indication New England wants to keep the former third-round pick around. For reference, the minimum salary for a practice squad player is $7,200 per week.