New York Jets should trade up in 2016 NFL Draft

The New York Jets have a golden opportunity to use one of their impact players in a possible trade to move up in the 2016 NFL Draft. They should absolutely consider making such a move that could tremendously benefit the team.

Make no mistake about it, with the upcoming draft approaching, general manager Mike Maccagnan is undoubtedly working his usual magic to do everything he can to make moves to upgrade areas of needs on the Jets. At this point in time, the Jets have dire needs to address on their offensive line, overall pass rush and of course, quarterback.

Related Story: McShay and Kiper weigh in on draft plans

It’s no secret that defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson has yet to sign his franchise tender due to the frustrations of not getting the huge contract he’s been looking for all these years with the Jets. It’s to the point where many believe he will one way or other, leave the Jets due to being disrespected for not getting paid at an elite level like others at his position.

Nov 29, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) celebrates his sack of Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (not shown) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

Truth of the matter is, with the tight finances of the Jets’ salary cap, they simply can’t afford him. Plus, knowing how Maccagnan is, he will more than likely not invest so much resources into one position as down the road, it will affect the team when it comes to future offseasons. That’s why it’s best the Jets entertain the idea of trading him in this year’s draft to a team that can afford him and also has a higher position to move up.

Wilkerson is coming off his best season yet and despite a broken leg in the season finale against the Buffalo Bills, will still be a dominant defensive end. His best years are ahead of him as he will undoubtedly be playing at a high level coming off his injury for years to come.

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

Once the Jets can find a suitor for him and breakdown the terms of a big money/long-term contract, Wilkerson will more than likely sign his franchise tender and be ready for the move.

It’s unfortunate since Wilkerson has been such a great defensive player for the Jets and off the field has always been a class act.

At the end of the day however, it’s all about business. Considering the Jets also have very good depth on their defensive line, especially with the emergence of Leonard Williams, it makes Wilkerson expendable in the grand scheme of things.

If the Jets can trade Wilkerson and move up even a few spots in this year’s draft, they can get a much better prospect and also clear his salary off the books. With the extra finances, the Jets would be in a great situation to add even more talent in the future.

While it’s not recommended they pull such a blockbuster trade for a quarterback in the first round, even if the Jets moved up a few spots, they would be able to draft an even better offensive lineman or premier linebacker. A player that can immediately start next season and be ready to make some noise.

More jets: Jets' offense must include tight ends in 2016

Overall, it would make sense for the Jets to pull off such a move. It would allow them to get a much better draft pick and also get Wilkerson what he deserves. Either way, it’s all for the overall benefit of the team which in the end, is all that really matters.