The deal nobody thought would happen

For the New York Jets and defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson after months of built up frustration, have finally buried the hatchet and reached a long-term agreement.

What a plot twist. Just when all signs pointed towards the New York Jets and defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson once again failing to reach a long-term agreement, the franchise in an absolute stunning fashion, inked him to a five-year deal worth $86M.

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The ongoing contract stalemate between Wilkerson and the Jets has finally reached its final chapter. After being promised extensions from multiple general managers, Mike Maccagnan did the unthinkable and inked Big Mo to a long-term deal right at the franchise tag dead line.

Indeed it was a deal nobody thought would actually happen. Despite their recent investment in the defensive tackle position, the Jets still haven’t signed Darron Lee, and have also failed to work out a deal with quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. Jets Nation needed Maccagnan to deliver in some sort of fashion and he did not disappoint.

With young talent such as Sheldon Richardson and Leonard Williams alongside Wilkerson, he is set for another masterful year come the start of the 2016 regular season. Over the course of his five-year tender with the Jets, the 6-foot-4 defensive end has recorded a career 301 combined tackles, 36.5 sacks, 1 interception and 21 passes defended. Wilkerson had his best season in 2015 finishing with 64 tackles, 12 sacks and two forced fumbles. He also earned his first trip to Hawaii as a Pro Bowler.

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Thankfully, we won’t be seeing Wilkerson dressed in any color other than green and white for many years to come.

With him locked up long-term, the Jets to-do list has trimmed down.

Lee in my opinion emerges as the teams now No. 1 priority.

However, if the Jets are still serious about re-signing Fitzpatrick, it may be wise to act fast rather than staying patient as reports are surfacing that the New England Patriots could possibly be interested in signing Fitzpatrick to start for the first four games of the regular season while Tom Brady serves his suspension.

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The Jets have made Wilkerson one of the wealthiest players in the NFL. Now it’s time for them to get guys such as Lee and possibly Fitzpatrick under contract to head into 2016 with their top talents signed and ready to deliver.