Muhammad Wilkerson Absent From Jets OTA’s

New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson has been absent from offseason practices in hopes of cashing in on a new contract. Wilkerson is in the final year of his rookie contract in which he will earn $6.97 million after the team decided to exercise his 5th year option. The team will need his defensive presence to remain contenders in the AFC East, especially with the team’s shaky quarterback situation. Owner Woody Johnson is remaining optimistic about a possible extension for the all pro defensive end.

“We’re continuing to have dialogue sporadically,” owner Woody Johnson said at the Spring League Meeting, per the New York Post, “but it’s got to be something that works for both sides.”

While there are no signs of an agreement anytime soon the Jets may have some additional leverage after drafting Leonard Williams in the first round of this years draft. The selection of Leonard Williams may even prompt the Jets to trade Wilkerson if the team were to be blown away with a trade offer. Although General manager Mike Maccagnan insists he’s not shopping Wilkerson, the team likely knows it will have to cough up a contract north of 100 million dollars to keep him beyond 2015. Then again the team could elect to use the franchise tag after next season so anything is possible. If one thing is for sure this situation is worth watching as this league proves time and time again everyone is available for the right price.