Coffee with the NY Jets: Team slaps Wilkerson with franchise tag

The latest on the NY Jets has them hitting Muhammad Wilkerson with the franchise tag and interested in a few quarterbacks during the 2016 NFL Combine.

Who doesn’t love a great hot cup of coffee and some excellent reading material to enjoy on the Jets? Here are some of the latest news around the team from top sources across the internet with insight of course:

Jets’ decision to tag Muhammad Wilkerson could have serious fallout by Rich Cimini (ESPN)

"Wilkerson won’t be happy — he’ll probably skip the offseason conditioning program again — but he knew this was coming. The two sides have until July 15 to hammer out a long-term deal."

The Jets once again dropped the ball in handling this entire situation with Wilkerson. Now, things will only get worse as he’s more than likely upset to get hit with the franchise tag, keeping him out of this year’s free agency period. Hopefully both sides can come up to an agreement over the summer, if not, expect to see 2016 be his last season with the Jets.

Warning to Jets: Reaching for QB can be hazardous to health of franchise by Rich Cimini (ESPN)

"The Jets could be confronted with this decision on draft day. The top prospects, Carson Wentz and Jared Goff, probably will be picked in the top 10. Wentz may have solidified himself as one of the best players in the draft with a strong combine performance."

While the Jets should consider drafting another quarterback, it shouldn’t happen at No. 20 in the first round of this year’s draft. It would make sense in the third or even fourth round but they should use their first round pick on either the best linebacker available or on an offensive lineman.

More from The Jet Press

• NY Jets should target TE Hunter Henry in free agency
• NY Jets: Why the team should target cornerback Shaquill Griffin
• NY Jets reportedly non-tendering linebacker Harvey Langi
• NY Jets: Why the team should not cut Jamison Crowder
• NY Jets should try to sign Kenny Golladay in free agency

Jets will give Muhammad Wilkerson non-exclusive franchise tag; what’s that mean? by Connor Hughes (USA Today)

"The “non-exclusive franchise tag,” on the other hand, differs in exactly that regard. Other teams outside of the Jets  negotiate a contract/offer sheet with Wilkerson, in other terms, a long-term deal. can"

The Jets are more than likely shopping Wilkerson around as it wouldn’t be surprising if they pulled the famous “sign and trade” to teams willing to acquire one of the top defensive lineman in the NFL. It’s sad really since he’s been nothing but spectacular for the Jets but at the end of the day, it’s all about business.

All Signs Point To Jets DT Damon Harrison Testing Open Market by NFL Trade Rumors (NFLTradeRumors.co)

"Harrison, 27, wound up signing on with the Jets as an undrafted free agent out of William Penn back in 2012. Last year, he was brought back on a one-year restricted tender and is now in position to sign a big contract as an unrestricted free agent."

More jets: 2016 NFL Combine: Top 15 takeaways

Harrison will get a few looks by teams since he’s got a good motor and could be an anchor on a defensive line for the next few years. Always thought he was very underrated and should he bolt via free agency, the Jets’ defense is going to look very different come next season.