The New York Jets opened up organized team activities without a few familiar faces. While the Jets were big spenders this offseason, a few players were left out of the contract talks including defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson who would like a new deal and suddenly finds himself competing for his spot with Leonard Williams now on board. Wilkerson is officially holding out and owner Woody Johnson is not sure what his status is heading into training camp.
Wilkerson is heading into the final year of his contract and is set to earn $6.97 million. He wants an extension and he wants it this season. However, the New York Post began putting the defensive end's name into trade rumors especially after Williams was drafted noting that the Jets were likely done spending money this season. Johnson told the media at the owner's meetings that negotiations were ongoing with Wilkerson, but there were no updates.
"We're continuing to have dialogue sporadically, but it's got to be something that works for both sides," Johnson said, via the Post. "If something works out that's agreeable to both sides, it'll get done. If not ..."
According to general manager Mike Maccagnan, Wilkerson's holdout does not impact his future with the team. The Jets have said they do not want to trade the defensive end despite the interest that would surround him, but the team cannot rule it out at this point, especially if negotiations sour. Head coach Todd Bowles made it clear that right now Wilkerson is on the team and will be expected to act as such.
"Mo is on our team now," Bowles said, via ESPN.com. "That's all I can go by. Around draft time you hear a lot of different rumors that go on and I try not to feed into them. Mo is on our team and we go from there. I don't really need or look at who thinks what's going to happen or what's trying to happen. I know Mo is on our team."
Williams is expected to make an impact right away which could dictate whether or not the Jets keep Wilkerson around next season. If Williams gets inserted as a starter and proves the Jets do not need Wilkerson, a trade could be the best option moving forward. Meanwhile, other rookies like Devin Smith and Bryce Petty are also proving the Jets can move on with them as the future over stars like Geno Smith and Jeremy Kerley.
