Muhammad Wilkerson - Pro Football Rumors

Sunday Roundup: Long, Wilkerson, Irvin

June 7th, 2015 at 12:40pm CST by Rory Parks

Let’s have a look at some links from around the league on this Sunday afternoon:

After Will Beatty‘s torn pectoral muscle threw the Giants‘ offensive line into a state of confusion, Jordan Raanan of NJ.com has received a number of questions from Giants fans curious about the status of free agent tackle Jake Long. Raanan writes that even though Long tore his ACL two years in a row, there will be a starting job for him somewhere this season if he is healthy. The Giants are still in the mix, but Long appears content to let the market for his services play out.
The Patriots have lost a number of big names this offseason, but Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com says tight end is one area where the team may have gotten stronger. Newly-acquired Scott Chandler will team with Rob Gronkowski to create a formidable pair of towers at the position, and Reiss predicts New England will deploy a number of two-tight end sets in 2015, just as they did in 2011 with Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez.
Cameron Jordan recently signed a new five-year, $55MM deal with the Saints, and despite the similarities between Jordan and Jets defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson, Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com believes Wilkerson will be aiming even higher. Jordan got $33.5MM in total guarantees, and Cimini thinks Wilkerson is seeking at least $40MM in guaranteed money.
Tarik El-Bashir of CSNWashington.com writes that Washington defensive coordinator Joe Barry does not plan on moving any of his cornerbacks to safety in an effort to bolster the team’s long-floundering safety corps.
Zach Miller has not played a regular season game since 2011, thanks to a bevy of injuries that have derailed his career. But for the second straight season, Miller is performing well in the Bears‘ offseason workouts, writes Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune. And if Miller can remain healthy, he could become a valuable weapon for Jay Cutler and take some pressure off Alshon Jeffery, rookie Kevin White, and first-string tight end Martellus Bennett.
When asked if his client had requested a trade, the agent for new Browns and former 49ers punter Andy Lee did not answer directly, according to Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle (via Twitter). The agent simply said it was an amicable parting that worked well for all involved.
Despite recent comments that created a minor controversy in Seattle, Seahawks linebacker Bruce Irvin said yesterday, “I would love to be in Seattle. That was the team that gave me a chance when nobody else did.” But as Manouk Akopyan of NFL.com writes, given the pending extensions that the Seahawks will undoubtedly hand out to Bobby Wagner and Russell Wilson, and considering the amount of money Seattle has already invested in retaining players like Marshawn Lynch and Richard Sherman, Irvin will likely find greener pastures elsewhere.
The Jaguars plan to frequently utilize two- and three-tight end looks this season under new offensive coordinator Greg Olson, writes Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union. That scheme will offer plenty of playing time for Marcedes Lewis and Clay Harbor, who now find themselves behind Julius Thomas on the team’s depth chart.
In the same piece, O’Halloran writes that even though Tyler Shatley earned a place on the Jaguars‘ roster as an undrafted rookie guard last season, his task will be even more difficult this year. The team has shifted him over to center, which Shatley has never played, and Jacksonville appears committed to Stefen Wisniewski or Luke Bowanko at the position.

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.”

East Notes: Bradford, Wilkerson, Giants

June 4th, 2015 at 8:52am CST by Luke Adams

Eagles offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur held the same position in St. Louis during Sam Bradford‘s rookie season with the Rams, when the No. 1 pick won Offensive Rookie of the Year and nearly led the team to the playoffs. So, as Zach Berman of the Philadelphia Inquirer writes, head coach Chip Kelly turned to Shurmur for input and information on Bradford before Philadelphia acquired him in March. While Shurmur’s endorsement didn’t directly lead to the trade, the Eagles OC is optimistic about what Bradford can do with the club.

“I certainly have a very strong, good opinion of what he can accomplish,” Shurmur said. “Had he been able to stay healthy, he wouldn’t have been available for us. When the deal was getting made, I had my fingers crossed in the background that it was going to get done.”

As we wait to see how the Shurmur/Bradford reunion plays out, let’s check out some more notes from around the NFL’s two East divisions….

Jets head coach Todd Bowles said yesterday that he wasn’t sure whether or not Muhammad Wilkerson would report to the Jets’ mandatory minicamp this month, but a person familiar with the defensive lineman’s thinking tells Steve Serby and Bart Hubbuch of the New York Post that Wilkerson will be in attendance. Wilkerson has been absent from the club’s offseason activities so far, as he seeks a new contract.
The Giants continue to keep an eye out for potential offensive line help, general manager Jerry Reese tells Dom Cosentino of NJ Advance Media. With Will Beatty out for the season, the team could use some veteran depth. “Obviously, everybody has around 90 men on their roster right now, so there’ll be some cuts,” Reese said. “There will be some chances to add some offensive linemen.”
Bills coach Rex Ryan sounds impressed with third-round guard John Miller so far, as Vic Carucci of The Buffalo News writes. “When we took him, we thought he’d be our starter and we’ll see,” Ryan said. “But I feel pretty confident that he’s going to be a major contributor for us.”

Zach Links contributed to this post.

East Notes: Wilkerson, Tannehill, Bills

June 3rd, 2015 at 8:53pm CST by Zachary Links

Eagles running back Duce Staley believes that new running back DeMarco Murray is a perfect fit for the team, as Corey Seidman of CSNPhilly.com writes. “He’s a perfect fit for us, exactly what we want to do,” Staley said. “Downhill, full-steam ahead. That’s what we’re preaching every day: one, two, three, four yards and a cloud of dust. And all the backs we have, they’re able to do that.” Here’s more from the East divisions..

Jets coach Todd Bowles says he’s “hopeful” that Muhammad Wilkerson will be at the team’s minicamp next week, Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News tweets. When he does arrive the coach says he’ll step right into his usual starting spot, as Brian Costello of the New York Post tweets.
While the Dolphins had their issues last season, former quarterback Phil Simms told SiriusXM NFL Radio (on Twitter) that Ryan Tannehill wasn’t the problem for them. Simms felt like Tannehill, who just linked a lucrative new deal with Miami, made strides in 2014 and grew up as a quarterback.
Coach Rex Ryan says the Bills acquired free-agent defensive end/linebacker Michael Buchanan Tuesday mainly with the idea of having him be a backup to outside linebacker Jerry Hughes, Vic Carucci of The Buffalo News writes. For his part, Buchanan believes that he has a better opportunity to make an impact with the Bills than he did with the Patriots. He also said he has fully recovered from the sports hernia that caused him to finish last season on the IR.

Details On Cam Newton, Cam Jordan Contracts

June 3rd, 2015 at 9:48am CST by Luke Adams

More details are trickling in on Cam Newton‘s massive $103.8MM extension with the Panthers, as well as Cameron Jordan‘s new five-year extension with the Saints. We’ll round up the latest on the two NFC South mega-deals right here:

Newton:

According to Joel Corry of CBSSports.com (Twitter link), the cap numbers on Newton’s new deal are as follows: $13MM (2015), $19.5MM (2016), $20.166MM (2017), $21.5MM (2018), $23.2MM (2019), and $21.1MM (2020). Corry notes (via Twitter) that the deal includes a $10MM option bonus in 2016, with a $10MM non-exercise fee. The non-exercise fee is the amount that must be paid out if a player is kept on the roster without his option being picked up.
There have been varying reports on the amount of the full guarantee in the contract. Albert Breer of the NFL Network suggests (via Twitter) that only $31MM is fully guaranteed. That would be the $22.5MM signing bonus, the $7.5MM roster bonus due later this week, and the $1MM base salary for 2015.
As we passed along earlier today, however, Corry says the full guarantee works out to $41MM, which also seems to include his $10MM option bonus for 2016. Meanwhile, Jason Cole of Bleacher Report tweets that $54MM is fully guaranteed, which would be the aforementioned amounts, plus Newton’s $13MM base salary for ’16.
While we may have to wait for further clarification, my guess is that – while it’s possible only $31MM is fully guaranteed at the time of the signing – Corry’s $41MM figure is probably accurate. That $10MM second-year option may not be fully guaranteed at this point, but as Corry wrote in a piece last year, sometimes teams will guarantee future base salary, with that guarantee voiding or reducing after an option has been picked up — that approach minimizes or eliminates the risk of a player being cut before the option exercise period ends.
One detail that everyone agrees on, which was reported at the time of the initial agreement yesterday, is that the total amount of guaranteed money – including injury-only guarantees – is $60MM.
Jason Fitzgerald of Over The Cap breaks down what Newton’s extension looks like in chart form, and also compares the deal to other notable quarterback extensions signed recently.

Jordan:

While Jordan’s five-year, $55MM extension includes $33MM guaranteed for injury, just $23.96MM is fully guaranteed, writes Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (Facebook link). Jordan’s previous $6.969MM salary for 2015 had already been fully guaranteed, so that’s $17MM in new fully guaranteed money.
When the agreement was first reported yesterday, it was noted that $5MM was available for Jordan in incentives — those are sack-related, according to La Canfora, though he doesn’t have details on the specific requirements.
If Jordan’s play slips, the Saints could comfortably move on from this contract after two seasons, says La Canfora. In his view, the deal won’t be a point of reference when star lineman like Marcell Dareus and Muhammad Wilkerson are negotiating new contracts, though it may make a good comparable for a player like Cameron Heyward of the Steelers.

Saints, Cameron Jordan Agree To Extension

June 2nd, 2015 at 9:52am CST by Luke Adams

9:52am: Jordan’s extension is worth $55MM, with $5MM in incentives, a source tells Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link). Since Jordan was already set to earn a salary just below $7MM for 2015, his six-year average looks like it will be in the neighborhood of $10.3MM, which is nearly the same annual rate the Saints are paying Galette.

9:39am: The Saints have reached an agreement on a lucrative contract extension for Cameron Jordan, whose previous deal was set to expire at the end of the 2015 season, reports Mi ke Garafolo of FOX Sports. According to Garafolo, the five-year extension can be worth up to $60MM, and Jordan will get $33.6MM in guarantees, including about $27MM over the next two years.

Those initial figures may overstate the value of Jordan’s new contract a little — the fact that the deal can be worth “up to” $60MM suggests that some incentives may be involved, and I imagine a portion of that $33.6MM guarantee is for injury only. Still, the extension will keep Jordan under team control through the 2020 season, and it looks like a significant investment by the Saints into a player who has become a key part of the club’s defense.

Over the last three seasons, Jordan has racked up 28 total sacks, including 12.5 in his Pro Bowl 2013 season. Interestingly, after recording a +35.3 grade as a pass rusher in ’13, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), Jordan’s pass-rushing grade fell to -7.9 in 2014, as he totaled just 7.5 sacks. However, PFF considered the 25-year-old an above average defensive end against the run.

Jordan’s new contract places him just outside of the top five 4-3 defensive ends by annual average salary, though one of those five is Jason Pierre-Paul, who is currently in line to earn $14.813MM on a one-year pact, via the franchise tag. Mario Williams, Robert Quinn, Charles Johnson, and Chris Long also have higher per-year values on their contracts than Jordan will, but Jordan’s extension is right up there with teammate Junior Galette‘s deal.

By locking up Jordan and Galette, the Saints have secured a pair of excellent pass rushers, though it’s not clear if Galette is in the team’s long-term plans. The 27-year-old ran into some legal troubles in recent months, and offseason reports suggested head coach Sean Payton and the Saints wouldn’t have been opposed to moving on from Galette if they could find a taker. For now though, he and Jordan appear poised to help anchor Rob Ryan‘s 2015 defense, which features some new faces like Brandon Browner and Dannell Ellerbe.

Jordan’s new contract could help set a precedent for other top defensive lineman who are eligible for extensions this offseason, including Marcell Dareus and Muhammad Wilkerson. For his part, Wilkerson tweeted, “Yup I see how this works,” shortly after word of Jordan’s agreement broke.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

AFC East Notes: Pats, Rice, Wilkerson

May 31st, 2015 at 12:15pm CST by Rory Parks

After checking in on the status of two embattled running backs earlier today, let’s have a look at a few links from the AFC East:

With the mass exodus that the Patriots have experienced at cornerback this offseason, Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald writes that Devin McCourty could shift from his safety position to corner, where he played reasonably well during his first several seasons in the league. But given how good of a safety he has become, such a move would not be optimal for New England.
Ben Volin of the Boston Globe writes that Brandon LaFell, who is under contract with the Patriots for two more years and $5.3MM, changed agents recently to Neil Schwartz and Jonathan Feinsod, the same agents who represent Darrelle Revis. Volin wonders if LaFell, after an excellent 2014 season, is preparing to ask for a new contract.
In the same piece, Volin writes that the Patriots will likely enter into contract negotiations with Rob Gronkowski in the near future. Gronkowski has a $10MM option bonus due next March that would trigger another four years and $37MM total.
We learned earlier today that the Bills might be a good landing spot for Ray Rice, but Mike Rodak of ESPN.com tweets that Buffalo is not interested in the former Ravens star.
Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com writes that the Jets are “spitting out cash like an ATM” when it comes to imported players, citing Brandon Marshall‘s restructure as the most recent example. Cimini believes it’s now time for the team’s best homegrown talent, Muhammad Wilkerson, to get a new deal.
In the same piece, Cimini writes that the Jets have an unusually large amount of money tied up in players 30 years old or older, and he passes along details of Leonard Williams‘ rookie contract.

Corry’s Latest: Wilson, AP, Houston, Weddle

May 22nd, 2015 at 2:30pm CST by Luke Adams

After taking a closer look at the wide receiver market earlier this week, former agent Joel Corry of CBSSports.com focuses today on seven key contract situations involving players eligible for extensions. Corry’s piece includes several items of interest, so let’s dive right in and round up the highlights….

Corry hears from league sources that the Seahawks have offered Russell Wilson a deal worth approximately $80MM over four years, which aligns with other recent reports. As Corry writes, Wilson could make a case that he should be the NFL’s highest-paid quarterback, though contract structure could be a bigger issue on his next deal than total compensation.
Although he has relented on his demand for the Vikings to trade Adrian Peterson, agent Ben Dogra is now attempting to get the team to rework his client’s contract. Corry suggests that Dogra is probably looking for Minnesota to guarantee Peterson’s 2015 and 2016 base salaries, but the team doesn’t appear to be interested in adjusting the running back’s deal.
The Chiefs will likely be “adamant” about keeping Justin Houston‘s per-year salary under the $17MM that Alex Smith is getting from the team, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if agent Joel Segal raises his demands for the linebacker’s next contract after Ndamukong Suh signed for $19MM+ annually, writes Corry.
There has been “sporadic dialogue” between the Jets and Muhammad Wilkerson‘s camp on a contract extension. Corry observes that the Jets would probably be fine with something in the range of Calais Campbell‘s five-year, $55MM pact, while Wilkerson probably has his sights set on contracts like J.J. Watt‘s, Robert Quinn‘s, and Gerald McCoy‘s — all those deals are worth at least $13.6MM per year. If the Jets opt to explore the trade market for Wilkerson, the Browns are a potential suitor.
Eric Weddle has been absent from the Chargers‘ voluntary workouts because he feels “highly disrespected” by the lack of contract discussions with the team, says Corry. While former GM A.J. Smith would’ve played hardball with the safety, it’s not clear yet which path Tom Telesco will take, writes Corry.
Contract disputes with restricted free agents are rare, but Tashaun Gipson and the Browns could be headed toward one. Corry suggests keeping an eye on June 15, the day on which Cleveland could lower its restricted tender offer for Gipson from $2.356MM to $660K. If the Browns take a hard-line approach with the safety, he could decide to sit out training camp and even the regular season, says Corry.

East Notes: Richardson, Dareus, Cowboys

May 22nd, 2015 at 12:42pm CST by Luke Adams

When PFR’s Zach Links passed along word earlier this week that Sheldon Richardson was absent from the Jets‘ practices, he noted that the defensive lineman probably wasn’t seeking a new contract, since he’s not even eligible to negotiate a new deal until after the season. That still appears to the case, and Richardson took to Twitter today to respond to critics, writing that he has “a life outside of football” and simply wanted to spend a little more time with his family.

Here’s more from across the NFL’s two East divisions:

While Richardson isn’t eligible for a new contract with the Jets, his fellow defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson is, and the addition of Leonard Williams in the draft has made that situation murky. Jason Fitzgerald of Over The Cap takes a closer look at Wilkerson’s contract, concluding that the standout defender would probably be able to earn a bigger contract outside of New York, and may end up being the odd man out with the Jets.
Marcell Dareus of the Bills is another AFC East defensive lineman seeking a contract extension, and Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets that Buffalo still wants to lock up Dareus to a long-term deal, preferably before training camp gets underway. Rapoport echoes something I wrote yesterday, suggesting that Dareus’ one-game suspension won’t have an adverse effect on extension talks.
We heard yesterday that the Cowboys worked out a number of free agent running backs, including Ben Tate, Felix Jones, and Daniel Thomas. According to Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, the club also auditioned wide receivers B.J. Cunningham, Kris Durham, and Tommy Streeter.