The New York Jets recently gave star defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson a large extension and it gave their defense a lot more stability from this point on.
Defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson of the New York Jets received a five-year contract extension worth $86M last week, and fans are pumped up. The move gives the young defense of the Jets a major cornerstone to build around for the future, which provides a great amount of stability.
Related Story: Training Camp Preview: Linebackers
The 2016 Pro Bowler has had an absolutely outstanding five-season career with Gang Green to this point. Since he was drafted out of Temple in 2011, Wilkerson has recorded 36.5 sacks to go along with 301 combined tackles over the course of his tenure on the Jets.
Wilkerson will continue to bring a lot to the table for the Jets as his all-around style of play makes him one of the premiere defenders in today’s NFL. The twenty-six year old can stop the run as well as getting to the quarterback meaning that he is the definition of a “dual-threat” defensive lineman.
Something else that Wilkerson prides himself on is his unique versatility along the defensive line. He can line up at any position on the line in any type of scheme that the defense runs. This trait makes him the most useful and valuable piece that head coach Todd Bowles has at his disposal on defense.
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
While Wilkerson is a complete monster in-between the lines, his greatest asset might be the leadership role that he plays in the locker room.
For multiple years, he has been seen as one of the team’s various leaders, and being that he is nearing the peak of his career, Wilkerson is commanding as much respect as he ever has.
Along with his excellent leadership, Wilkerson is also a fantastic role model as he manages to stay out of any and all trouble off the field.
Bowles has a great guy for the younger players to look at in terms of how to carry yourself both on and off the field.
must read: The race to the quarterback
All of these traits make the decision of the Jets to extend Wilkerson’s contract one that will stabilize the defensive unit for years to come. Wilkerson will continue to be a hugely productive player who is a great leader vocally and by example. He is the perfect cornerstone for the defense of the Jets going forward for years to come.