New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson is seeking a new contract, but the franchise hasn’t budged quite yet.
Five days ago, Wilkerson’s agent said the 25-year-old hadn’t decided whether or not he’d show up for minicamp, However, per Jason La Canfora of Fox Sports, Wilkerson has elected to attend the mandatory session and will avoid a fine.
Mo Wilkerson will be attended the Jets veteran minicamp starting today. In an unrelated note, i'll be there to check them out on Wed
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) June 9, 2015
NFL Media’s Kevin Patra noted the amount of players risk losing by not showing up to minicamp:
“Per the Collective Bargaining Agreement, players are subject to fines starting at $10,000 for the first missed day and can total up to $60,000 for missing the entire minicamp.”
Cameron Jordan recently inked a five-year, $60 million deal with the New Orleans Saints, and Corey Liuget received a five-year, $50 million contract extension from the San Diego Chargers. Consequently, whether the Jets pony up the cash or Wilkerson leaves in free agency, he has a clear benchmark to follow.
New York added USC lineman Leonard Williams with the sixth pick in the 2015 NFL draft, so the front office could be content to have Wilkerson play out the final year of his rookie contract before allowing him to sign elsewhere.
But, at least for now, Wilkerson is practicing with his team.
Photo: USA Today Sports