Jets Lock Up Mo Wilkerson On 5-Year Deal At Deadline

The New York Jets were looking to shift the momentum of this offseason. Although New York has yet to reach an agreement with their starting quarterback, Ryan Fitzpatrick, the Jets best defender will be in green and white for the foreseeable future.

Defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson agreed to a five-year, $85 million contract with $37 million in guarantees, according to NFL Media’s Ian Rappaort, as New York announced the contract via Twitter at 4:33 p.m. Friday afternoon, just 33 minutes after the deadline for long-term contracts had elapsed.

Jets Lock Up Mo Wilkerson On 5-Year Deal At Deadline

Wilkerson expressed his gratitude in a separate post on the club’s Twitter page.

“I’m excited to be back with this great organization for another five years and looking forward to great things,” Wilkerson said in a six-second video clip. “Go Jets.”

The signing means, almost for certain, that Ryan Fitzpatrick will be forced to except less money or be forced out.

Fitzpatrick balked at a recent offer from the Jets, reportedly due to the lack of guaranteed money. The offer was three years at $24 million in total.

New York slapped the franchise tag on Wilkerson March 1, setting him up for a one-year deal at over $15.7 million. Now he will earn $17 million per season.

As was expected, Jets fans are pumped, but so are some of the other members of the green and white flight crew.

Wilkerson expanded on his excitement and gratitude for the contract on new social media site TwitLonger.

“I give my all every Sunday on the field and play with so much love and passion for the game. I’m thankful for everything that comes my way and proud to say I’m back on the green and white for a few more years #96#MKG #jetlife”

Article by Kevin Xavier