New York Jets “Motivated” To Trade Muhammad Wilkerson

Aside from their ongoing hunt for a quarterback, the topic of discussion among New York Jets fans is what they plan to do about Muhammad Wilkerson.

As it stands the All-Pro defensive end has drawn the franchise tag that will keep him on the team for another year at $15.7 million.  It’s a contract he has yet to sign but most would assume he will at some point.  It’s whether the Jets plans to pay that money which has some balking.  New York doesn’t have a lot of wiggle room with their salary cap at present.  They still hope to re-sign Ryan Fitzpatrick and have contracts coming up for other key players such as Sheldon Richardson.  Given the depth of their defensive front, this has led to speculation the team might look to trade Wilkerson rather than sign him long-term.

An idea that Rich Cimini of ESPN believes is growing in possibility.

As stated, money will be the key issue.  Wilkerson is 26 and coming off a season in which he had 12 sacks.  So his value is peaking, despite the fact he broke his leg at the end of the season.  Finding a team that is interested in not only paying the money but giving up one or two quality draft picks to get him will be difficult.  Last word was the Jets were demanding a 1st round pick in return.  It’s hard to imagine that happening given such a strong and deep NFL draft class this year.

So if they are set on making it happen, they may need to get creative.  This might explain why rumors have persisted the team is interested in moving up from their 20th spot in the draft.  Wilkerson would be a valuable asset in any trade package they might wish to throw together since the other team wouldn’t have to give up actual picks but merely positioning to get him.  Meanwhile the Jets could put themselves in prime position to find that quarterback they need.

It will come down to timing, luck and finding the right fit.