Re-signing Muhammad Wilkerson will finally change culture

With the New York Jets re-signing defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson to a contract he deserves, they have finally changed their overall culture in taking care of their own.

The New York Jets shocked the world when they re-signed defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson to a five-year/$87M extension Friday afternoon. Word is the Jets didn’t even talk to Wilkerson’s camp until 12 hours prior to the deadline of 4 PM. It is incredible how general manager Mike Maccagnan was able to put together an offer to appease Wilkerson in such little time.

Star wide receiver and veteran leader Brandon Marshall tweeted the following after Wilkerson re-signed:

Getting @mowilkerson locked in was huge for our locker room. Congrats bro!! Thank you @nyjets

— Due Season.. . (@BMarshall) July 15, 2016

Marshall is absolutely spot on with his tweet. The extension sets the tone about the new regime led by Maccagnan. Wilkerson is a homegrown local star that has done everything the organization has asked him to do. He put his head down and worked, and now, he’s one of the best defensive players in the NFL.

The fact that the front office awarded a player like Wilkerson will allow other Jets players to trust the front office. They know that if they work hard and establish themselves as legit NFL players, they too will be properly compensated.

The locker-room pays attention to the what the media says about them more than people realize. They know the public perception of the Jets. It was not positive before the Wilkerson contract, and probably still isn’t. Still, the Wilkerson contract was huge for Maccagnan as he gained respect from the players and fans, while keeping their best player for the long-term.

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Fans and players still are not satisfied with Maccagnan.

They won’t be until quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick is re-signed.

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The Jets would be worse than the New York Mets when it comes to scoring points if quarterback Bryce Petty was forced into action due to injury.

Fitzpatrick needs to return to prevent a rift in the clubhouse. Bowles is a good head coach that could become a great coach very soon. Regardless, some veterans will have a tough time with the front office’s neglect of Fitzpatrick. The Jets need everyone on board this season, as it is a big one for everyone involved.

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Having Fitzpatrick back along with a rejuvenated Wilkerson will remove any distractions heading into training camp. Everyone is sick of the distractions that have worn on all offseason. Camp begins in about two weeks and the only focus must be on the team.

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