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New York Jets: 3 Players that won’t be back in 2018

By Stephen Smith

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 29: Defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson #96 of the New York Jets celebrates a tackle against running back Tevin Coleman #26 (not pictured) of the Atlanta Falcons during the third quarter of the game at MetLife Stadium on October 29, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 29: Defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson #96 of the New York Jets celebrates a tackle against running back Tevin Coleman #26 (not pictured) of the Atlanta Falcons during the third quarter of the game at MetLife Stadium on October 29, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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The New York Jets have over-achieved this season with five wins to date. However, these three current Jets players won’t be returning in 2018.

The 2017 campaign for the New York Jets is quickly winding down. It seems to go by so quickly. Back in early September, many experts envisioned a season with just one to three wins for Gang Green so they’ve definitely over-achieved with their 5-9 ledger to date.

There have been numerous positives along the way – the performances of Josh McCown, Robby Anderson and Jermaine Kearse to name a few – but there have been several negative performances as well. These three players in particular have been very disappointing this year and won’t be donning a Jets uniform in 2018. That’s my prediction.

Let’s take a look at this insufficient trio.

3. Muhammad Wilkerson

This is a no-brainer. What happened to this guy? Talk about a player that took the money and ran. The former Pro Bowler is the biggest disappointment on the entire team and should be released. Immediately.

Hopefully Wilkerson will get an alarm clock for Christmas because he sure needs one. His habitual tardiness to team meetings and general lack of professionalism have been too much for head coach Todd Bowles to endure recently. He was suspended for last Sunday’s game at New Orleans for showing up late at a team meeting two days earlier. The Jets actually performed pretty well without him. They forced three turnovers in their 31-19 setback to the Saints.

According to rotoworld, Gang Green can cut the University of Temple product before his 2018 salary of $16.75 million becomes guaranteed in early March. That would create a $9 million dead-money cap charge but in turn would save New York $11 million under the salary cap. Wilkerson is a goner and everyone knows it.

It’s a shame what has happened to the 6-4, 305-pounder because just two years ago he was one of the best defensive linemen in the game. Wilkerson compiled a career-high 12 sacks (sixth in the NFL) and made his lone Pro Bowl. He broke his leg in the season finale against Buffalo in 2015 and has never been the same player since.

The Jets rewarded him in July 2016 for his stellar campaign with a mega five-year, $86 million pact. That was a huge mistake. The Linden, NJ native has recorded just eight sacks in the last two seasons and has not been nearly as effective against the run as well. Now it looks like he’s mailing it in.

It’s time for the Jets to show Wilkerson the door. Don’t let it hit you on the way out Mo. Good riddance.

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