New York Jets Priority Number One: Sign Muhammad Wilkerson to New Contract

Dec 28, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; New York Jets defensive end

Muhammad Wilkerson

(96) laughs on the sideline during the second half against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

There is much work for the Jets this off-season. The Jets have a roster with many holes. Whomever the general manager turns out to be, inherits a roster with an offense that was ranked 28th out of 32. The defense was again in the top ten, but couldn’t stop the pass when necessary. The roster was not equipped with the necessary tools by the previous general manager. The general manager will have their work cut out for them.

Besides the NFL draft, which we all know is going to be huge, decisions have to be made about the existing roster as well. Guys like Chris Ivory and Demario Davis, among others, are going into the final years of their respective contracts. But so is one other guy, and he must be the top priority.

His name is Muhammad Wilkerson.

Nov 24, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Muhammad Wilkerson is only 25 years old. He is getting better, and the best is yet to come for him.

After a modest rookie year with only three sacks, Wilkerson only got better the next year with five. He really “got it” during the second half of 2012, posting four of his five total sacks. But the best was yet to come.

In 2013, Muhammad Wilkerson was nearly as good as J.J Watt, posting a career best 10.5 sacks, to go along with 63 tackles (43 solo), three passes defended and an interception. Unfortunately, Wilkerson was snubbed for the Pro Bowl.

Despite missing four game in 2013 due to turf toe, Wilkerson posted another strong campaign, with six sacks, 56 tackles (31 solo), and five passes defended.

Muhammad Wilkerson is a beast. He is great, and only getting better.

Sep 28, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) reacts after the Detroit Lions scored a touchdown at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

Muhammad Wilkerson is in the last year of his contract. If anyone has ever deserved a new deal, Wilkerson deserves one.

Wilkerson is making $6,969,000 in 2015, all guaranteed. His average per year, from our friends at Over the Cap has been only $1,718,750. By comparison, J.J Watt, has over $21,000,000 coming this year.

I am not saying that Wilkerson is not J.J. Watt, yet, but this is quite the disparity. Muhammad Wilkerson has clearly out played a contract that has paid him under $2,000,000.

He is well deserving of said contract.

Dec 28, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan in the second quarter at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports