The New York Jets announced on Wednesday that they have released veteran defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson saving the team $11 million in cap room in the process.
We have released DL Muhammad Wilkerson. pic.twitter.com/NhLfoREpLK
— New York Jets (@nyjets) February 28, 2018
This is a move that’s been long expected. In fact, it has to be seen as a mere formality. Wilkerson, a former Pro Bowl performer, fell out of favor with the Jets last season. He butted heads with the team’s brass off the field while performing at the lowest clip of what has been a solid career.
Set to count $20 million against the cap in 2018, there was no real question about Wilkerson’s future in New York. This move adds another high-upside defender to the free agent market while giving the Jets even more capital to chase after Pro Bowl quarterback Kirk Cousins. With the Wilkerson release, New York now has north of $95 million in cap room.
A former first-round pick out of Temple back in 2011, Wilkerson has recorded 44.5 sacks in seven seasons. He promises to find a solid market for his services now that he’s a free agent.