Muhammad Wilkerson is not happy with the New York Jets. The defensive end is preparing to enter the final year of his contract and he wants to get paid. Wilkerson has done his best to send a message to the Jets by skipping out on all workouts as mandatory minicamp approaches next week. Wilkerson told the media that he is not happy and while he does not plan to have an extensive holdout, he wants a business move made.
"I guess we'll see," Wilkerson said, via the New York Post. "That's something my agent and I will discuss this weekend. He's here this weekend for my (charity) events, tonight and tomorrow for my football camp. That decision will be made some time this weekend. It's a business at the end of the day and all I can do is keep doing what I'm doing, working out and staying in shape and get ready for the season. This is new to me. Hopefully something will get done soon."
Wilkerson is on the books to make $6.97 million this season in his fifth-year option and the Jets have made no moves to negotiate a new contract with the star. General manager mike Maccagnan has made it clear that Wilkerson will not be traded from the Jets as the team needs him, but what happens if Leonard Williams begins to play well? If the rookie can excel in his spot, Wilkerson loses all leverage to get a deal done.
Early returns on Williams have been positive as the defensive end continues through OTAs. Head coach Todd Bowles is certainly thrilled with what he has seen from the rookie and believes he could have an immediate impact on the game for the team.
"Right now, most of the things are mental," Bowles said, via NJ.com. "He's in pretty good shape, which I like. He's more mature than the average rookie. He's grasping the system quickly and he's moving around well out of pads, but to really judge him, you have to see him in pads for the linemen. Just the way he carries himself. He doesn't carry himself like a young 20-year-old. He's got years beyond his age and the way he comes in and walks into it, treating it professionally."
Wilkerson was also quick to note that he too is excited to have Williams on the team. While the veteran made it clear he was not requesting a trade from the Jets, he also said he cannot wait to play with the rookie.
"As you all know, I'm sure, I welcomed him to the team through Instagram," Wilkerson said. "He was the best available pick. I'm definitely looking forward to working with him and playing with him in the trenches."
