Wilkerson Sounds Off On His Lack Of Long-Term Deal With Jets
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Muhammad Wilkerson's frustration is now officially out in the open.
Upset he has not received a suitable long-term contract offer from the Jets, the All-Pro defensive end recently broke his silence and decided to take a risk, telling the New York Post he's tired of being disrespected by the only team he has ever played for.
"It's shocking. It's frustrating," Wilkerson told the newspaper. "Because I feel like I've earned it and I deserve it. It would be different if I was just a mediocre player. I feel like each and every week I'm dominating and it's showing. The stats speak for themselves. Basically, what more do I need to do? You know what I mean?"
Wilkerson said he has patiently waited for Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan to do the right thing, while other comparable players around the league have received their big deals, including the Eagles' Fletcher Cox, who recently signed a six-year, $103 million contract.
"Do I feel that they want me back? As of right now, no. I don't feel like they want me," Wilkerson said. "I'm a talented guy. Everybody knows that. I feel like they're going to get the best they can out of me and just let me go. That's how I feel. Do I like that feeling? No. I'm a New Jersey guy, born and raised, and would love to raise my family here."
Statistically, Wilkerson has gotten better every year since being selected No. 30 overall by the Jets in the 2011 draft, and his stats stack up nicely against others who have received their financial windfalls. This past season, the 6-foot-4, 315-pounder had his best season, recording 12 sacks, 64 combined tackles and two forced fumbles in helping lead the Jets to 10 wins.
Despite suffering a leg injury in the season finale in Buffalo, a game the Jets lost, ending their playoff hopes, Wilkerson said he fully plans on being even better in 2016 and beyond.
"I'm not going to let this leg injury stop me. I'm going to take things slowly and come out next year and dominate again," Wilkerson said.
In March, the Jets slapped the franchise tag on Wilkerson and expect to pay him $15.7 million this season. However, the big defensive end has yet to sign on the dotted line. He remains hopeful the Jets will come to their senses before the July 15 deadline to get a long-term deal done.
"I don't think they're trying like they should. We've still got time," Wilkerson said. "The deadline is in a month. We've got some time."
Some say the writing has been on the wall for Wilkerson's departure for some time, due to the Jets drafting defensive linemen Sheldon Richardson and Leonard Williams in the years since plucking Wilkerson from Temple. But Wilkerson said he's earned his place with this franchise and to leave it would be heartbreaking.
"I'm all in," Wilkerson said. "I'm all for being a Jet and finishing my career here. I love the Jets fans. I appreciate all the support from them and I just hope I can continue my career here and play in front of one of the best crowds in the league."
