Fansided
Fansided

2016 NFL Free Agency Profile: Muhammad Wilkerson

By Erik Lambert

facebooktwitterreddit

Nov 24, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Ever so quietly he has built himself into a mainstay on the New York Jets defensive line.  So how will Muhammad Wilkerson approach 2016 NFL free agency?

  • Age:  25
  • 56 tackles
  • 6 sacks
  • 10 quarterback hits
  • 18 pressures
  • +19.2 run defender (PFF)
  • All-Pro (2013)

Though the success of his team hasn’t been what he’d hoped for, Wilkerson hasn’t let that stop him from developing into one of the better defensive lineman in pro football.  A rare breed who can generate pressure on the quarterback but retains the size and power to anchor against the run as well.  His value is highly understated, and he knows it.  That might explain why he’s already creating contract issues for the New York Jets.

This inevitably led to speculation he could be traded, especially after the team selected Leonard Williams in the 1st round of the draft, considered the best overall prospect of the 2015 class by many and a perfect fit as a 3-4 defensive end.  He might make the ideal insurance policy for the Jets if Wilkerson decides to play hard ball.  If he were to leave, they’d have Williams ready to pair with Sheldon Richardson, keeping the train on the tracks without stopping.

Even so, it’s still a gamble.  Williams is not a guarantee to do what people know Wilkerson already can.  That element of unknown could be his best bargaining power.

Likeliest Outcome:  Hits the open market

Next: NFL Power Rankings: The Greatest Super Bowl Dynasties

More from NFL Mocks

Home/NFL Free Agency