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NFL Trade Machine: Muhammad Wilkerson Exploration

By Erik Lambert

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Sep 8, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman (5) is sacked by New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) during the first quarter of a game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

A new face has entered the NFL trade market and it’s a pretty damn good one in New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson.  The two sides seem at odds over a contract dispute.  New York isn’t keen on paying him a long-term deal just yet and the 25-year old has responded with a holdout from voluntary workouts.

Naturally there is interest from around the league.  Wilkerson is one of the best 3-4 defensive ends going and is entering the prime of his career.  Last season he had 56 tackles, six sacks and was a force against the run.  He did miss three games with injury but that was the first occurrence since he came in as a rookie in 2011, so the durability isn’t much of a concern.

So it stands to reason he’d fetch a pretty good price if the Jets do decide to deal him.  If so, which teams are the biggest threat to jump in?

Cleveland Browns

Thinking in terms of draft ammunition alone, the Cleveland Browns are better equipped than anybody to pursue an NFL trade for Wilkerson.  They have four picks in the top 100 including two 1st rounders and have needs up front on their defensive line.  Wilkerson would be a major help to Paul Kruger and the linebackers, especially stopping the run which the entire unit struggled at last season.

Baltimore Ravens

This sounds exactly like the kind of savvy deal that Ozzie Newsome would make for the Baltimore Ravens.  Sacrifice a high pick for a proven player with plenty left in the tank and use a large cache of extra choices in the middle and later rounds to fill out other needs on the roster.  Baltimore did lose Haloti Ngata in another trade before the start of free agency.  Being able to replace him with Wilkerson would be a huge win for them, regardless of the price.

Seattle Seahawks

Like Newsome, John Schneider of the Seattle Seahawks has no fear when it comes to making the big deals if it means acquiring an impact player.  His team is geared for another championship run but could use more juice on the defensive line next to Michael Bennett.  Muhammad Wilkerson presents the perfect opportunity.  The problem is the price.  Seattle already traded their 1st rounder to New Orleans for Jimmy Graham.  So they may have to get creative to make it happen.

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