New York Jets Sign Muhammad Wilkerson, Could Turn Attention To Ryan Fitzpatrick Next
Some unexpected business took place for the New York Jets. The Jets eliminated a long and drawn out stalemate with defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson. The Jets made the most stunning news of the NFL teams who levied the franchise tag on a player.
SB Nation offers a breakdown of how the franchise tag works. According to how it is structured, the Jets were wise in using the tag on Wilkerson.
There were 10 NFL teams which placed the franchise tag on players in an effort to keep them off the open market. This allows teams exclusive negotiating rights. There is a contingency that the player would earn a guaranteed salary of whichever is greater, the average salary of the top-5 players at their positions, or 120 percent of their last salary.
Seven players had remained unsigned with a week left before the deadline that was set for 3 p.m. today. Three of them signed new deals. One of the players who signed an extension was the Denver Broncos’ Von Miller.
According to ESPN, Miller agreed to a six-year, $114.5 million deal, with $70 million in guaranteed money.
In a stark contrast, the Jets were able to keep Muhammad Wilkerson happy with an $86 million contract, courtesy of ESPN. It is for five years and a guaranteed figure of over $36 million.
When Wilkerson is not creating opportunities for the Jets, he is collecting sacks himself. He has 36 total sacks in his career and he is only going to get better. The Jets defensive lineman is also great against the run.
Von Miller, a smaller player at 250 pounds, gets to the quarterback using his speed.
The Jets defense is instantly better because of the long-term stability that Wilkerson should provide. But it is surprising that both he and the Jets were able to agree to a deal.
Of players who were hit with the franchise tag, it was believed that Muhammad Wilkerson was the one least likely to sign long-term. There was a lot of bad blood it seems. Maybe it was just both sides posturing as a ploy to gain leverage in the contract negotiations.
It is huge that he and the Jets were able to agree to terms. A benefit that the New York Jets will have is the available cap space to re-sign quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick if they choose to.
Last-minute Wilkerson deal may give Jets cap space for QB Ryan Fitzpatrick https://t.co/gnEclcFjfU pic.twitter.com/fufD3bOY4i
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) July 15, 2016
Steve Serbe of the New York Post reports that by signing Muhammad Wilkerson to the new deal, the Jets will save $3.4 million in cap room. Serbe states that the Jets are in the position to offer Ryan Fitzpatrick a one-year contract to prove that he is deserving of a longer deal.
This is what Serbe had to say about Fitzpatrick.
“The quarterback who gives the Jets the best chance to reach the playoffs is Ryan Fitzpatrick.
“No one is under any illusions Fitzpatrick has another career year in his 34-year-old journeyman right arm, but he shouldn’t be punished just because he threw away that elusive playoff berth in Buffalo in the regular-season finale.”
The New York Jets have a good chance of making the NFL playoffs
Ryan Fitzpatrick had a career year with the Jets last season. There are a couple of pieces in place for him to have a comparable year this time out. He knows the offense. And the addition of veteran running back Matt Forte will help with the running game and the passing game.
The Jets are a solid offense away from being an 11-win team.
Having 11 wins could be good enough for the Jets to grab one of the wild card berths. The AFC East could also be wide open with the status of Tom Brady and the New England Patriots uncertain.
The New York Jets keeping Muhammad Wilkerson happy gives them an elite defense. They may turn their attention to Ryan Fitzpatrick next.
[Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images]
