BY NICK ST. DENIS
Muhammad Wilkerson has established himself as one of the NFL's elite defensive linemen the past three years, and the New York Jets should have him around for, at minimum, three more.
The NY Daily News reported Friday that the Jets plan to exercise their fifth-year option with Wilkerson, a move that must be made before May 3.
That would ensure Wilkerson is around through the 2015 season. And for Gang Green, it gets better.
If the Jets are unable to work out a contract extension with Wilkerson within that time frame, they could slap him with the franchise tag in 2016. So as the Daily News report notes, that scenario would cost the Jets just $20 million total over the next three years.
Now, you'd assume New York won't let it get that far, but they do have a lot of wiggle room with the still-rising Wilkerson, especially considering his statement last month that he wouldn't hold out in the future.
The do-it-all lineman, working alongside Defensive Rookie of the Year Sheldon Richardson, tallied 11 sacks, nine quarterback, 32 hurries, and 40 run stuffs last season, according to Pro Football Focus.
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