The New York Jets won't negotiate a new contract with defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson during the 2015 season, according to Darryl Slater of NJ.com.
The Wilkerson contract talks have been going on since before preseason, but Wilkerson said he did not want to negotiate a new contract during the season, according to NJ.com. "It's my job to go out and be competitive with my teammates and get ready for games on Sundays. Worrying about contract situations, that's a distraction for myself, as well as my teammates," said Wilkerson, via NJ.com.
Wilkerson is entering the end of his rookie deal and due to make $6.9 million this season. Wilkerson is one of the star talents on this Jets defense, and he is likely to get a huge contract at the end of the season. Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Marcell Dareus signed a $108 million contract extension with $60 million in guarantees. It is likely that Wilkerson and his agent will use this deal as a cross point when negotiating at the end of the season.
The former first round draft pick has been huge since coming to New York. He had 5.5 sacks last season in 13 games and 55 combined tackles. On Sunday against the Cleveland Browns he added another sack to his resume as the Jets crushed the Browns 31-10.
The Jets can still bring back the defensive lineman next season without a contract by applying the franchise tag on him this offseason, but Wilkerson's tag is figured to be around $16 million.
Wilkerson is a big commodity as he can rotate around the defensive line. He is bound to run into some big money this offseason as long as he avoids injury on the field. The Jets will need a big game from Wilkerson next week as they play the Indianapolis Colts and Andrew Luck. Wilkerson will be showcasing his talent this season, and nothing is more satisfying for a defensive lineman than sacking a top-tier quarterback.
