NY Jets: Muhammad Wilkerson got his turkey late

The NY Jets got their 8th win of the season and a major reason why is because of the stellar play of defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson.

The Jets brought in Todd Bowles to be their next head coach for a multitude of reasons, one of them being his prowess for the defensive side of the football as he has continued that trend with Gang Green. Specifically, Muhammad Wilkerson who has been engulfed in controversy since his contract status has been up in the air. It hasn’t helped with the fact that a new regime has come in which has delayed the process further.

Wilkerson opted not to go the Darrelle Revis method of holding out for a deal, he decided to strap on his helmet and get to work and that is exactly what he has done in a career-setting 2015 season. It couldn’t have come at a better time for Wilkerson, there is good news and bad news with this. The bad news is, Wilkerson didn’t get to enjoy his Thanksgiving. The good news is, Wilkerson finally got his turkey, it just happened to be two and a half weeks late.

12 sacks for @mowilkerson (career high) 25 TDs for #FitzMagic (ditto) 9 observations >> https://t.co/Qs7EgtiiES pic.twitter.com/A43GjRr4zq

— New York Jets (@nyjets) December 13, 2015

Wilkerson had a career-high three sacks in Sunday’s performance and he has accumulated 12 sacks on the season, which is also a career high. The Jets can’t wait any longer, this off-season Mike Maccagnan and crew have to sign their defensive leader to a long-term deal and keep him in a green and white uniform for the unforeseeable future. Is the Jets defensive line deep? Yes, perhaps even the deepest in football, but that shouldn’t hinder the Jets efforts to sign this guy.

The Jets’ rookie defensive linemen Leonard Williams is as good as advertised and he is only going to continue to get better. Williams got his second straight game with a sack against the Titans and he’s very much in the running for the Defensive Rookie of the Year award. Speaking of DROY, Sheldon Richardson is also on this talented Jets’ defensive line and he’s been wreaking havoc ever since his return from suspension.

With the Jets sitting at 8-5 in the thick of the AFC wildcard race, there has obviously been a culture change with the Jets since the regime change this off-season. Now the Jets are going to have the chance to set the tone for years to come with their handling of this Wilkerson deal. Wilkerson has been a guy that has been a loyal soldier, quietly putting in the work and accumulating stats along the way.

Next: Fitzpatrick the Savior

It’s time for the Jets to pay up, Wilkerson has proven he’s a leader on and off the field with his countless efforts in the community and his contributions to a variety of charity organizations. He’s helped the rookie through his development, he’s helped Richardson with his demons and has played at a Pro Bowl level in a contract year. The Jets need to do the right thing and pay Wilkerson so he can continue to lead these Jets in 2015 and well into the future.