New York Jets Sign Muhammad Wilkerson to Five-Year $86 Million Contract

(photo credit: sportingnews.com)

The New York Jets signed defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson to a five-year $86 million contract, prior to the 4 P.M. deadline on Friday for long-term deals for franchise-tagged players. According to what sources told ESPN’s Dan Graziano, Wilkerson will be getting $36.75 million in guaranteed money. The contract includes a $15 million signing bonus, and a $53.5 million injury guarantee. 

Wilkerson will be making an average of $17.2 million per season. The amount of money Wilkerson will make per season is the most in Jets franchise history, and his guaranteed money is the second most in Jets franchise history behind Darrelle Revis, who was guaranteed to make $39 million. The 26-year-old received the non-exclusive franchise tag on March 1, which meant he was allowed to talk to any team he wanted, but if he were to sign with any other team, that franchise would have to give two first round picks to the Jets. 

Wilkerson was unhappy about playing under the franchise tag, and he said that he considered skipping training camp. He told the New York Post that he felt unwanted by the Jets. Wilkerson missed the team’s offseason workouts and mandatory minicamp. Wilkerson made the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career after recording a team-high 12 sacks. Wilkerson also recorded 64 tackles and he forced two fumbles. 

Wilkerson broke his right leg in the final game of the season against Buffalo, which required surgery. Wilkerson was the Jets first round pick in 2011, and he’s been a starter since his rookie season. Wilkerson has compiled 36 sacks in five seasons with New York. The Jets figure to have a very formidable defensive line for a long time with Wilkerson, Sheldon Richardson, and 2015 first round pick Leonard Williams.