Yet to sign the $15.7 million franchise tag that was thrown his way in March, New York Jets defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson was predictably a no-show for the start of the team’s off-season program on Monday (via NFL.com).
Wilkerson is considered one of the top players at his position in the NFL. Set to hit the free-agent market unless he received the franchise tag, the defensive end saw the potential of him receiving a long-term offer elsewhere fade into the night when the tag was placed on him.
His absence is in no way breaking news. He joins a laundry list of players in similar situations that have decided to stay away from off-season activities.
After all, there’s very little reason for him to risk injury without having a long-term commitment from the team.
This does, however, bring to light the potential that Wilkerson might be traded during the upcoming 2016 NFL draft later this month. He’s been the subject of trade rumors for the better part of the past two months, rumors that are unlikely to die down over the next two weeks.
While Wilkerson himself isn’t doing anything to quash these rumors, it’s important to note that a report surfaced late last month that the Jets were shopping the 26-year-old Pro Bowl performer.
With 28.5 sacks over the past three seasons and an elite-level ability against the run, there wouldn’t necessarily be a shortage of teams interested in Wilkerson on the trade block.
Though, based on his previous level of performance and the growing value of edge rushers in today’s NFL, there are only a handful of teams that could afford Wilkerson over the long term.
That number is limited even more when it comes to potential assets heading to New York in a hypothetical trade.
It’s pure conjecture here, but the San Francisco 49ers seem to make the most sense as it relates to a potential landing spot. They have north of $50 million in cap room and a dozen picks in the upcoming draft.
The team also boasts a quarterback in Colin Kaepernick that’s been on the trade block for months now. He could also be dangled as part of a package for Wilkerson.
In addition to this, a report surfaced just a few days back that Wilkerson would “love” to play in San Francisco.
Either way, it seems like something might go down between now and the end of the month. If so, that could also change up the early part of the draft much like a blockbuster deal last week did.