The New York Jets are 9-5 thanks to an overachieving Ryan Fitzpatrick and a stifling defense that rookie head coach Todd Bowles has re-tooled. His tweaks have proven effective, as the Jets sit fifth in yards allowed per game (322.8) and eighth in points (19.4). But the real story is how Bowles has unleashed Muhammad Wilkerson.
The 26-year-old is enjoying the best season of his career, albeit in a contract year. Wilkerson has more sacks (12.0) than all but four players right now and is a big reason why other teams are still sore a week after their games against the Jets. But given the high dollar amount he'll command on the open market and the presence of Sheldon Richardson and rookie Leonard Williams, his future with New York remains cloudy.
"The Jets should make an effort to secure him at a fair price, but why overpay when they already have a more dynamic and versatile player (looking for his own payday in a couple years) and a relatively cheap first-round rookie on the defensive line?" Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News wrote.
No one is ignoring Wilkerson's impressive season; he was named to his first Pro Bowl earlier this week. But how much money can you invest in a single position? When healthy and out of trouble, Richardson is a nightmare and Williams has shown excellent promise this year. Of course the Jets want to keep as much talent as possible in the building, but to do that long-term, you have to avoid cap-clogging contracts for non-franchise players.
"Wilkerson is not in J.J. Watt's stratosphere," Mehta wrote. "Teammate Sheldon Richardson has a higher ceiling."
There were rumblings prior to the NFL Draft this year that Wilkerson could be traded. Expect similar rumors to pop up once again this off-season. New York would likely call for a first-round pick in return, a high price even before you consider the lucrative new contract Wilkerson would demand upon arriving.
But this is a good problem to have if you're the Jets. Either way, they can leverage this situation to their advantage, whether it be exploring trade options or in contract negotiations with Wilkerson.
Sooner or later, someone is going to pay Wilkerson.
