By Glenn Naughton
Jason LaCanfora is reporting that the New York Jets will seek multiple first round picks in any deal for star defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson.
In the early stages of a contract dispute, Wilkerson opted to sit out the team’s recent voluntary workouts as he prepares to enter his fifth season.
After selecting Leonard Williams with the sixth overall selection in the NFL draft, speculation regarding Wilkerson’s future surfaced immediately.
General Manager Mike Maccagnan was asked about Wilkerson’s future but would only say that the team is not shopping the Temple product whom the Jets took in round one of the 2011 draft with the 30th pick. He did not, nor should he, dismiss the possibility of fielding offers.
Wilkerson is arguably the Jets’ best all-around player and is easily in their top three. The always classy Wilkerson offered congratulations to Williams via instagram following the selection.
If multiple first-rounders is indeed the price tag for Wilkerson and the Jets don’t move from that, Jets fans should be encouraged.
Gang Green clearly realizes how important Wilkerson is to the team and will likely re-enter contract negotiations if unable to move him for multiple firsts.
If they are able to get what they’re asking, then it would be a difficult move to criticize as the Jets would be dealing from a position of strength to add the possibility of adding multiple first rounders.