Report: Jets fielding calls from multiple teams on Muhammad Wilkerson
ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that at least two teams have inquired into the availability of Jets defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson via trade.
This is significant for a few reasons.
This news clearly came from the Jets. It’s a new regime — head coach Todd Bowles and GM Mike Maccagnan — and they don’t need any resistance from the talented Wilkerson, who is staying away from voluntary workouts, if he decides to hold out from any mandatory practices. It’s hard to find D-lineman who can take over the way Wilkerson does, but the Jets might want to take the path of least resistance.
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Wilkerson wants a new deal, and the Jets’ cap situation should, in theory, allow them to do so. But they also have several key decisions to make after this season at wide receiver, eventually will have to lock up Sheldon Richardson, are likely to take on another top-10 pick in the next few days and — oh yeah — will need to grab a quarterback at some point in the next 12-13 months who can play better than the ones they have on their roster. That costs money.
Are the Jets for sure trading one of their best D-linemen? No. But they’re listening. It would make sense in the short term to see what a beefed-up defense with Wilkerson might do in a suddenly changing AFC East and without a settled QB situation. But if the right team comes in with an offer, would the Jets — who, word has it, are seeking to add draft picks — listen? Absolutely.
More than likely, this is a subtle message from a new GM to the Wilkerson camp that they’re not wild about his non-attendance in the new head coach’s offseason program. But you can’t rule out a deal before or on Thursday when the draft kicks off, even as good as Wilkerson has been for the Jets.
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Eric Edholm is a writer for Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Eric_Edholm
