Report: Looking For New Deal, Wilkerson To Skip Start Of Jets' Offseason Program
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The big man wants to get paid.
According to CBSSports.com, Jets defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson will not report for the start of the team's offseason program.
The 25-year-old is set to earn approximately $7 million in 2015.
CBSSports.com reports that the 2013 second-team All-Pro is looking for a new deal, but his camp and the organization have not made much progress -- if any -- in their negotiations.
Arguably the best player on the Jets, the 6-foot-4, 315-pound Wilkerson was New York's first-round draft pick (30th overall) in 2011. He's set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2016.
In 13 games last season, the New Jersey native recorded 55 combined tackles, 5.5 sacks and a forced fumble.
First-year general manager Mike Maccagnan has been very active in his first offseason, spending freely to improve his club. Among other moves, he gave cornerback Darrelle Revis $39 million in guaranteed money and linebacker Davis Harris $15 million guaranteed. He also signed cornerback Antonio Cromartie and traded for wide receiver Brandon Marshall.
Now will he pay to keep Wilkerson?
There's still plenty of time for the issue to be resolved. The Jets' first mandatory workout is minicamp in June. If Wilkerson doesn't report then, he could be fined.
