New York Jets: Muhammad Wilkerson headed for big payday

Muhammad Wilkerson has become a beloved figure among New York Jets’ fans. After being selected in the first round of the 2011 draft, Wilkerson has ascended to star status, in some circles considered the best 3-4 defensive end in the league not named J.J. Watt.

The comments are not without merit. Over first four years in the league, Wilkerson has posted 24.5 sacks to go along with 153 tackles and 102 assists. He has been ranked in the top 20 among 3-4 defensive ends every year of his career, and in the top three twice, according to Pro Football Focus. He has spearheaded a defensive front that has rapidly grown to one of the best in the NFL.

Oct 2, 2015; Sunbury-on-Thames, United Kingdom; New York Jets defensive tackle Leger Douzable (78) and defensive linemen Muhammad Wilkerson (96) and Damon Harrison (94) at practice at the Hazelwood in advance of the NFL International Series game against the Miami Dolphins. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

There was a lot of talk this summer about a potential holdout by Muhammad Wilkerson. He is in the midst of the final year of his rookie contract, earning a salary of $6.9 million, per Over the Cap.com. Wilkerson is a star player that has outplayed his rookie deal. He was upset when others from his draft class were extended around the league, and made it clear that he wanted to get his turn.

Despite all of that, Wilkerson attended training camp on time, showing a dedication to the Jets in front of his own needs, and endearing himself to Jets’ fans even more. He broke off contract talks, focused on getting it done on the field, moving the contract to the off-season, with the Jets knowing full well that Wilkerson could hit the open market and be signed by another team.

The word is that Wilkerson wants J.J. Watt money. Watt has a salary cap number of $13.9 million (courtesy of OverTheCap.com) as part of a contract potentially worth $100 million. So the question is a simple one.

Jul 30, 2015; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) answers questions about his contract from the media during first day of training camp at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

Does Muhammad Wilkerson deserve J.J. Watt money? So far in 2015, he’s playing like it. Wilkerson has posted 18 tackles, eight solo, compared with J.J.’s 19 tackles, 15 solo. Watt leads the sack battle with three to Wilkerson’s 1.5 sacks.

Head to Pro Football Focus, and the numbers become more favorable for Wilkerson. Wilkerson leads with an overall grade of 12.4, compared to Watt’s 12.1. Watt leads the pass rushing grade by the score of 8.1 to 3.8, but Wilkerson’s run defense grade is an 8.0, while J.J.’s is 2.4. They both have been credited with the same number of quarterback hurries (9), and Watt has only one more quarterback hit than Wilkerson (5-4).

Muhammad Wilkerson showed a remarkable amount of dedication to the Jets by playing through his contract without holding out. If he keeps up his current playing pace, he will be rewarded, J.J. Watt style.

Next: NFL Power Rankings Week 4: Top 5 Defenses in the NFL

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