The New York Jets’ defense saw a return to the top of the ranks in the NFL this past season which was a big part of the turnaround season that ended just short of the playoffs. Defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson was one of the major reasons why the Jets’ defense was able to turn things around this year.
Despite suffering a broken fibula in the Week 17 loss to the Buffalo Bills, Wilkerson would be a highly sought after player in free agency. The Jets can’t allow him to get to free agency, however. The 26-year-old Linden, N.J. native is coming off of his best season as a pro after registering 12 sacks and 64 tackles. He was a force on the end, using a fantastic combination of size and speed to wreak havoc in opposing backfields.
The Jets have a short window for competing which might close in the next year or two, so they have to go for it now. And that means re-signing Wilkerson. Some might say that the presence of Leonard Williams and Sheldon Richardson means they can afford to let Wilkerson go, but he is the anchor of that line, or the straw that stirs the drink to borrow a line from Reggie Jackson. The Jets need Wilkerson, as he is not only the leader up front, but also the best player on the team.
The Jets might have to get creative to keep Wilkerson. Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and running back Chris Ivory are free agents and will either need to be re-signed or replaced. Cornerback Antonio Cromartie is a free agent and likely won’t be back, so he will also need to be replaced. Linebacker Calvin Pace is 35 and will need to be replaced. There are areas the Jets need to address, several of which are expensive positions, so either high draft picks or high-profile free agents will be required to fill those needs.
It won’t be easy for the Jets, but they can keep Wilkerson without needing to get too creative. He is exactly what they need to make a run at that elusive Super Bowl. Re-signing Wilkerson should be the top priority for the Jets this offseason.
