Feature Jets Should Complete Long Term Deal With Muhammad Wilkerson Wilkerson is a Linden, New Jersey native. by Staff Post July 30, 2015 Muhammad Wilkerson (Rich Schultz/Getty Images) As the 2015 NFL season is quickly approaching and the Jets and defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson are still trying to reach a long term deal. Wilkerson, who grew up in Linden, New Jersey, says he wants to be with the Jets for life; however, if a deal is not reached by the start of the 2015 season, Wilkerson will play out the final year of his deal and become a free agent in the offseason. The ball is now in the court of Mike Maccagnan to sign Wilkerson to a long term deal in the next six weeks. But since the Jets have a surplus of talent on the defensive line, there is not too much urgency in resigning Wilkerson. Here is where it gets interesting. The Jets essentially have to choose between Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson because Richardson’s contract is done after next season. The Jets will be able to give one of them a long term deal, but definitely not both. So who do the Jets chose? To me, the answer is Muhammad Wilkerson for a few reasons. First of all, Wilkerson is more developed as a player on and off the field. Richardson was just suspended for four games for substance abuse. It may be a one-time thing now, but who knows if he’ll get caught again. I also really like the fact that Wilkerson is “home grown.” He grew up in New Jersey and he wants to be with the Jets for life. I really like that kind of mentality in an athlete. He has his mind in the right place and he wants to win with the Jets. With Richardson gone in the future, the Jets would still have Wilkerson, Damon Harrison, and Leonard Williams on the defensive line. Harrison’s contract is up after the 2017 season. My message to Mike Maccagnan is this: open up the checkbook and pay Wilkerson what he deserves. He is a top five defensive end in the NFL and he wants to be with the Jets long term. There is no reason to not give him a big deal before the season starts. Post Views: 1,137 The following two tabs change content below.BioLatest Posts Staff Post Latest posts by Staff Post (see all) In The Zone Announces Initial Podcast Lineup - November 13, 2020 The Essential Resources You Need to Start Your Own Gym in 2020 - February 6, 2020 Wilder vs Fury II – How the second fight will be different to the first? - February 5, 2020 Early turnovers, defensive struggles plague the Scarlet Knights - January 26, 2020 Related TopicsMuhammad WilkersonNew York JetsSheldon Richardson Click to comment You must be logged in to post a comment Login Leave a Reply Cancel replyYou must be logged in to post a comment. Newsletter Subscription Can't Miss Posts! Women in Sports: NHL Network Host, Jackie Redmond by Nicholas Durst | posted on March 4, 2019 Lochte, Dressel and Ledecky all Chasing Gold at 2021 Tokyo Olympics by Anthony Paradiso | posted on April 18, 2021 You Know I’m Right, Episode 109: The Athletic’s Marc Carig (Audio/Video) by Nicholas Durst | posted on April 19, 2021 Whoop Rewards Employees With $100 Each Month To Sleep by Inesh Chari | posted on March 22, 2021 You Know I’m Right, Episode 106: Newsday’s Neil Best (Audio/Video) by Nicholas Durst | posted on April 12, 2021 More in Feature You Know I’m Right, Episode 113: New York Post Columnist Phil Mushnick (Audio/Video) On the 113th episode of You Know I’m Right, Nick Durst and Joe Calabrese are joined by... You Know I’m Right, Episode 112: New York Jets’ Insider Brian Costello (Audio/Video) On the 112th episode of You Know I’m Right, Nick Durst and Joe Calabrese are joined by... You Know I’m Right, Episode 111: New York Giants’ Insider John Schmeelk (Audio/Video) On the 111th episode of You Know I’m Right, Nick Durst and Joe Calabrese are joined by... You Know I’m Right, Episode 109: The Athletic’s Marc Carig (Audio/Video) On the 109th episode of You Know I’m Right, Nick Durst and Joe Calabrese are joined by... Stepan, Rangers Agree on New Six Year Contract Adam Warren Continues to Show Versatility For Yankees Pitching Staff