Muhammad Wilkerson

Jets Notes: Watson, Wilkerson, Sanchez

October 30th, 2017 at 11:40am CST by Zachary Links

Did the Jets make a franchise-altering mistake by not taking quarterback Deshaun Watson? Some within the organization believe that’s the case, particularly those who lobbied hard for him during the draft, Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News writes. Mehta hears that some Jets officials were willing to trade a 2018 first-round pick plus Muhammad Wilkerson to move back into the first round to select Watson.

One can’t help but wonder whether the inclusion of Wilkerson in a trade offer would have helped the Jets’ chances. Wilkerson was once one of the league’s best values on the defensive line, but that went out of the window when he signed a five-year, $86MM extension before the start of last season and regressed sharply in 2016. Jets fans can dream about a scenario in which a future first-round pick, Wilkerson, and perhaps other draft considerations would have been enough to sway the Browns or Saints, but it’s hard to totally buy into that idea.

Here’s more on Gang Green:

After the Bills managed to unload Marcell Dareus, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com wonders aloud if the Jets could move Wilkerson before Tuesday’s trade deadline. He rightly concludes that a trade is highly unlikely. Aside from his onerous contract, Wilkerson’s production has still not returned to 2015 levels and he is dealing with multiple nagging injuries.
Recently, former Jets coach Rex Ryan said that he never saw Mark Sanchez as a “franchise quarterback,” but felt that he was good enough to “win with.” Those comments stand in stark contrast with what he wrote in his 2011 book, as Mike Florio of PFT notes. Ryan wrote that Sanchez was going to be “extraordinary in the NFL” and explained the thought process behind trading up to the No. 5 pick in the draft to get him. Ryan, it seems, is looking to rewrite history a little bit. This all may be part of an effort to to work his way back towards becoming an NFL head coach, but that seems unlikely at the moment.

Latest On Muhammad Wilkerson’s Future

October 18th, 2017 at 5:48pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

Jets defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson is only in the second season of a five-year, $86MM contract, but the two sides might be headed for a divorce. The 27-year-old Wilkerson hasn’t lived up to expectations since signing his deal, which could lead the Jets to release him in the offseason, according to Darryl Slater of NJ.com.

If the Jets do part with Wilkerson over the winter, he’d join Sheldon Richardson as the second high-profile defensive lineman they’d have jettisoned in recent months. Both players caused some behind-the-scenes headaches in 2016, but Richardson still brought Gang Green a quality return via trade, going to Seattle last month for wide receiver Jermaine Kearse and multiple draft picks, including a second-rounder in 2018. Wilkerson hasn’t done anything this year to boost his trade stock, though, having failed to register a single quarterback hit during the Jets’ 3-3 start. Despite that, head coach Todd Bowles told Rich Cimini of ESPN.com and other reporters on Wednesday that Wilkerson has played “well.”

Bowles’ assessment notwithstanding, it’s fair to say Wilkerson’s play has dropped off dating back to last season. After combining for 36.5 sacks during his first five years, including a career-high 12 in 2015, Wilkerson has totaled just 4.5 since signing his big-money pact. As his traditional numbers began plummeting last season, so did his grades at Pro Football Focus. The site assigned Wilkerson a subpar rating in 2016 and, through six games this year, ranks his performance a lackluster 113th among 124 qualified interior D-linemen. In fairness to Wilkerson, injuries have likely played some part in his recent decline. The broken leg he suffered in the Jets’ 2015 regular-season finale may have slowed him to some degree in 2016, and this year he has dealt with a sprained shoulder and a toe problem. Nevertheless, he has appeared in 20 of 21 games dating back to last year, including all six this season. Wilkerson has never played in fewer than 13 games in a season, and has appeared in 98 of 102 since the Jets used a first-round pick on him in 2011.

Durability might not be enough to save Wilkerson if there isn’t an uptick in his performance over the final two-plus months of the season. Of course, it’s also worth noting that parting with Wilkerson would lead to significant savings for the Jets if he’s designated as a post-June 1 cut. The club would add $17MM in space (against $3MM in dead money) in 2018 if it goes that route, though it would have to carry his $20MM cap number until June 1. On the other hand, the Jets could cut eschew the post-June 1 designation and save $11MM of the $20MM by releasing him. With Wilkerson’s $16.75MM salary for next season set to become guaranteed on the third day of the league year in March, an answer on his future should come relatively early in the winter.

AFC East Notes: Jets, Mo, Pats, Hightower

September 8th, 2017 at 7:41pm CST by Dallas Robinson

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.

AFC East Notes: Peterson, Patriots, Jets

April 3rd, 2017 at 11:20am CST by Zachary Links

Adrian Peterson could be a tough sell for Patriots ownership, Mike Florio of PFT opines. The Pats are hosting the former Minnesota great on a visit, but Florio wonders aloud if the meeting designed solely to put pressure on free agent LeGarrette Blount. Despite his impressive on-field resume, Peterson’s off-field history could be tough for owner Robert Kraft to swallow. At the time of Peterson’s child-abuse charges, Kraft called the allegations “completely unacceptable and as abhorrent” as the Ray Rice situation. Less than three years later, Kraft likely feels the same way.

Here’s more from the AFC East:

The Jets are expecting to see Muhammad Wilkerson step it up in 2017, as Rich Cimini of ESPN.com writes. Last year, coach Todd Bowles gave the defensive lineman something of a pass due to his health situation. Now, he’s giving different indications. “I’m sure he played hurt most of the year,” he said. “We had to give him some off-days. Usually, those things take about a year-and-a-half to come back from. He came back early and gutted it out. It shows the kind of warrior he is. Hopefully, he’s gotten better and he can go back to being himself.” Wilkerson’s level of play in 2016 isn’t quite what they had in mind when they signed him to an extension with $37MM fully guaranteed.
The Dolphins reportedly have interest in Michigan defensive end Taco Charlton, but they’re far from alone in that pursuit.
Bills free agent agent linebacker Zach Brown, meanwhile, is unlikely to come to join up with the Dolphins. Brown ranks as PFR’s top free agent linebacker left, ahead of Perry Riley, Gerald Hodges, and DeAndre Levy. He’s also one of the most talented free agents remaining on the board at any position.

AFC East Notes: Jets, Dolphins, Richardson

April 1st, 2017 at 7:07pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The Jets fined defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson “significant” amounts of money for tardiness before benching them for the first quarter of a November contest, according to Ralph Vacchiano of SNY. Indeed, sources indicate to Vacchiano that head coach Todd Bowles — often viewed as overly tolerant of his players’ indiscretions — isn’t so mild-mannered behind the scenes. Still, New York certainly didn’t expect Wilkerson to show commitment issues after inking him to a hefty extension last year.

Here’s more from the AFC East:

While Richardson’s lateness issues (and poor play) could negatively affect his trade value, the Jets still may be able to use the pass-rusher as a trade chit in the coming weeks, writes Rich Cimini of ESPN.com. If New York wants to trade back into Round 1 for a quarterback, for example, the team could potentially package Richardson and its second-round pick (No. 39) to move ahead of of a club like the Texans, who may also be looking for a QB. Getting back into the first round would also allow the Jets to pick up a fifth-year option on the signal-caller of their choice.
Dolphins defensive line coach Terrell Williams took a sojourn to East Lansing to work out Michigan State defensive tackle Malik McDowell, reports Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald. Recently linked to free agent Johnathan Hankins, the Dolphins are in the market for a tackle to play alongside Ndamukong Suh and Jordan Phillips. McDowell could be on the board when Miami picks at No. 22, although the Fins are expected to target edge help in the first round. The Dolphins are the first known team to meet with McDowell.
Safety prospects Josh Jones (North Carolina State) and Justin Evans (Texas A&M) will meet with the Dolphins soon, per Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. Although Miami recently extended defensive back Reshad Jones, the club is still looking for another safety after Isa Abdul-Quddus was released following a neck injury. Jones has also drawn interest from the Ravens, while Evans has met with the Cowboys.

AFC Notes: Jets, Bengals, Raiders, Fins, Colts

March 23rd, 2017 at 6:16pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson took to Instagram in an effort to combat a recent report that he’s “terribly out of shape” (via Connor Hughes of NJ.com). “They say I’m fat and out of shape?” Wilkerson said while running on a treadmill. “Haha. Keep sleeping on me. I’m telling you.” It seems the scout who assessed Wilkerson’s conditioning was exaggerating, as photos (links here) the 27-year-old posted on Instagram earlier this month shoot down the idea that he’s in poor shape. Still, though, Wilkerson is coming off a disappointing 2016 – the first season of a five-year, $86MM contract – and could end up a cap casualty as early as next offseason if he doesn’t bounce back. Wilkerson notched 4.5 sacks last year (down from 12 in 2015) and ranked as Pro Football Focus’ 15th-worst qualified edge defender (109 qualifiers).

East Notes: Jets, Eagles, Jenkins, Bills

March 16th, 2017 at 7:54pm CST by Zachary Links

Muhammad Wilkerson, who inked a monster extension with the Jets last year, appears to be extremely out of shape, according to multiple scouts who saw him at Temple’s Pro Day (via Manish Mehta of the Daily News). Wilkerson’s listed weight last season was 315 pounds and it’s unclear how heavy he is at the moment. The Jets effectively chose Wilkerson over fellow defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson last year by giving him the long-term deal and, so far, it’s not clear if Wilkerson will reward the Jets for their confidence in him. Last year Wilkerson had just 4.5 sacks, the lowest total since his rookie season. This year, he’s set to carry a $18MM cap number with a fully guaranteed $14.75MM base salary, so a trade is probably out of the question. Meanwhile, Brian Costello of the New York Post (on Twitter) posted a picture of Wilkerson from just last week in which he appears to be in the same shape he was last year.

A bit more from the NFL’s East divisions:

Eagles GM Howie Roseman continues to shoot down rumors that he offered up Malcolm Jenkins in trade talks for Brandin Cooks. His latest denial is the firmest one to date (Twitter link via 97.5 The Fanatic). “The Brandin Cooks, Malcolm Jenkins thing kind of gets under my skin. We were never going to trade Malcolm Jenkins,” Roseman said.
Initially reported as a four-year deal, kicker Steven Hauschka‘s pact with the Bills is actually a three-year contract, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link). It’s worth $8.85MM, nearly half of which ($4MM) is guaranteed.
In case you missed it, Gang Green agreed to a deal with longtime Cowboys cornerback Morris Claiborne on Thursday.

East Notes: Jets, Bennett, D-Jax

November 13th, 2016 at 12:30pm CST by Rory Parks

Let’s take a look at some notes from around the league as Week 10 gets underway in full force:

Rich Cimini of ESPN.com does not believe Jets head coach Todd Bowles will be fired at season’s end, but that does not mean that there will be no changes to the coaching staff. Cimini writes that offensive coordinator Chan Gailey, for instance, will almost certainly be on the hot seat.
Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reports that, prior to signing his mega-deal this past offseason, Jets DE Muhammad Wilkerson sat down with Bowles to discuss his past disciplinary issues. During that meeting, Wilkerson vowed to behave and assured Bowles that he understood the responsibility that comes along with such a lucrative contract, which makes last week’s letdown all the more disturbing (Twitter links). Wilkerson’s 2016 numbers are already down, and a floundering Jets team cannot afford for him to be a disappointment both on and off the field.
Bryce Petty will be getting the start for the Jets today, largely because Ryan Fitzpatrick‘s knee is not quite game-ready. However, Fitzpatrick is serving as Petty’s backup today, while Christian Hackenberg is inactive. That decision shows just how raw Hackenberg really is; as Brian Costello of the New York Post tweets, it is clear that the Jets view an injured Fitzpatrick as a better option than a healthy Hackenberg.
Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports that, when the Patriots acquired tight end Martellus Bennett this offseason, the two sides explored a scenario that would have added a year on to Bennett’s existing contract. However, no agreement was reached, and Bennett will consequently become part of New England’s large free agent class at season’s end.
DeSean Jackson is out this week with a rotator cuff injury, and Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets that the Redskins wideout is likely to miss at least next week’s game as well. Rapoport’s source says that Jackson’s prognosis is “not good.”
Earlier today, we examined the quarterback dilemmas of the Jets and Cowboys.

Latest On Jets’ Wilkerson, Richardson

November 10th, 2016 at 10:36am CST by Connor J. Byrne

After head coach Todd Bowles benched Muhammad Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson for the first quarter of the Jets’ loss to the Dolphins last Sunday, a report indicated the decision stemmed from the defensive line duo’s lack of punctuality. Wilkerson and Richardson were late or absent from team meetings “all the time” prior to Sunday, per Connor Hughes of NJ.com.

Both players acknowledged their indiscretions Wednesday, though Wilkerson was the more penitent of the two. The 27-year-old admitted that tardiness to team meetings has been a problem, and he revealed that he missed the Jets’ walkthrough Oct. 22 – the day before their win over the Ravens – relays Brian Costello of the New York Post.

“Those actions are unacceptable and I definitely feel as a leader on this team I definitely need to do better,” Wilkerson said. “I respect the coaches and everybody in this building. I take responsibility for my actions. Moving forward, it won’t be an issue. I know as a leader on this team I have to show better, do better. That’s something I will do.”

Regardless of whether Wilkerson lives up to his word, it’s fair to say the Jets weren’t envisioning a mix of commitment issues and a decline in performance when they inked him to an extension in July with $37MM fully guaranteed. Wilkerson has amassed just two sacks and five quarterback hurries in eight games – both far cries from the 12 and 20, respectively, he totaled over 16 contests last season en route to his first Pro Bowl nod and second All-Pro selection.

With 1.5 sacks and nine hurries, Richardson’s pass-rushing production this year has been similar to Wilkerson’s, and a source told Costello that Richardson has indeed been late to multiple team meetings. The 25-year-old denied that, however, saying that it happened once – last Friday – and only because he overslept.

“It has been blown way out of proportion,” he opined. “I know me missing the first quarter isn’t blown out of proportion, but it was one meeting. It is how it is.”

Going forward, it’s possible the 3-6 Jets’ next seven games will be Richardson’s final stretch with the club. General manager Mike Maccagnan discussed a Richardson trade with at least two teams – the Cowboys and Broncos – in advance of the NFL’s Nov. 1 deadline and reportedly sought a first-round pick. Maccagnan will try to market Richardson again in the offseason, according to Costello, but the defender hasn’t helped his value this year. Richardson also has two league-imposed suspensions on his resume, of course, and just one year remaining on his contract. Add all of that up, and the Jets won’t have better luck moving Richardson during the offseason without decreasing their asking price.

Broncos, Jets Discussed Sheldon Richardson

November 7th, 2016 at 6:20pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The Broncos looked into acquiring defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson from the Jets in advance of last week’s trade deadline, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Ultimately, Richardson stayed in New York, but the club is likely to continue trade talks during the offseason, per Schefter.

Prior reports have indicated that the Jets also discussed Richardson with the Cowboys, who apparently made an offer for the pass rusher. Additionally, Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com reported over the weekend that New York initially “marketed” Richardson to NFC contenders, including the Redskins, Eagles, Seahawks, and Cardinals. General manager Mike Maccagnan & Co. were said to be looking for a “very strong return,” which most rival clubs took to mean a first-round pick.

Denver’s defense, of course, already ranks as one of the league’s best, but if the unit has a weakness, it’s probably the defensive line. Richardson could have aided a front three that has already lost Vance Walker for the season, and is now set miss fellow end Derek Wolfe for an undetermined amount of time (though Wolfe’s injury obviously occurred after the trade deadline). The Broncos could also lose defensive tackle Sylvester Williams to free agency in 2017 after failing to exercise his fifth-year option.

On a related note, Richardson — as well as fellow defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson — were benched for the first quarter of Sunday’s game against the Dolphins after repeatedly missing (or coming in late to) team meetings, a source tells Connor Hughes of NJ.com, who adds that the duo’s indiscretions happen “all the time.” Head coach Todd Bowles says he’s pleased with both Richardson and Wilkerson’s “level of commitment,” according to Ralph Vacchiano of SNY (Twitter link), but the story clearly won’t help the Jets’ efforts to move Richardson in the coming months.

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