Wilkerson's big score on hold?

[F.Chowds]

1. Waiting game: Defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson may not get that contract extension, after all. Like all first-round picks in the 2011 draft class, he could get burned by the fifth-year option in his contract. 

Wilkerson signed a four-year contract, plus an option. It was widely assumed that Wilkerson and the other stars from that class would sign new, long-term deals after the third season, but an article by Jason Cole on National Football Post explains why that's not likely to happen. Turns out those fifth-year option salaries (based on a formula) aren't projected to be as big as anticipated, so it makes dollars and sense for teams to simply pay the option year instead of renegotiating a new contract. Teams have until May 3 to exercise the option. 

In Wilkerson's case, the option is worth about $5.25 million. It could increase to about $6 million, but even that would be a bargain for the Jets. He's due to make $1.2 million in 2014, which means the Jets could have Wilkerson's rights for two years at about $7.2 million if they exercise the option. Let's stretch it further. They could hit him with a franchise tag of, say, $12 million in 2016, meaning they'd have him for three years at $19.2 million -- once again, a bargain for a player of his caliber. The NFP article, which surveyed 10 general managers and cap specialists, said they expect almost every first rounder in 2011 to be tendered for the fifth year rather than receive a long-term extension this year. 

It stinks for Wilkerson and the others, but they're getting jobbed by a pro-management collective bargaining agreement, which went into effect for the 2011 draft. Yeah, the Jets still could do a long-term deal this year with Wilkerson, but because they hold the leverage, they'd demand a team-friendly deal. He could hold out, but the language in the CBA makes it difficult. Wilkerson, drafted 30th overall, would've been better off getting picked in the second round. Those players received straight, four-year contracts. 

2. A new summer home?: It sure sounds like the Jets are ready to leave SUNY-Cortland, where they've held four of the last five training camps. 

On Friday, the Jets said on their website they will explore other venues, as permitted in their contract with the school. They didn't rule out the possibility of returning to Cortland. In fact, there's a quote from general manager John Idzik, saying how much they've enjoyed Cortland. Basically, it's an option year, which was widely reported last summer. At the time, school officials thought their chances of hosting the 2014 camp would be greater if Rex Ryan remained the coach. Ryan was the driving force behind the decision to go to Cortland in '09. 

Well, Ryan is sticking around, but the Jets actually started exploring their options as far back as September, according to sources. That tells me they're serious about going somewhere else or maybe staying home in Florham Park, N.J. The Jets conducted internal meetings Sept. 16 to discuss alternate sites, sources said. In fact, they were in contact with SUNY-Stony Brook, which had expressed interest in hosting camp. The Jets dispatched a staffer to check out the facilities. As it turned out, the school withdrew because it couldn't collect on short notice the amount of data required by the Jets. It still remains interested in hosting the annual Green & White scrimmage. 

It'll be a sad day at Doug's Fish Fry in Cortland if the Jets go camping elsewhere. 

3. The case for Sheldon: On Super Bowl eve, the major post-season awards will be announced, including NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. The top candidates are thought to be defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson and Buffalo Bills linebacker Kiko Alonso. I have one of the 50 votes and, for the record, I voted for Richardson. He didn't have a gaudy sack total (3.5), but he impacted the defense. Example: The Jets allowed the fewest yards per rush (3.4) between the tackles, according to ESPN Stats & Information. Richardson was a big reason why. My gut tells me that Alonso will win the award. They're both deserving. 

4. Like Mike: I'm sure Ryan is proud that Mike Pettine, a former protege, is the new coach of the Cleveland Browns. I'm also sure that Ryan is flabbergasted (and ticked off) that his twin brother, New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, can't get a sniff of a head-coaching job. Rob has a better coaching resume than Pettine, but we all know there's more to it than that. Ryan believes his brother would be more marketable if he cut his flowing mane of gray hair. 

"I can't explain it. Is it the hair? I don't know," Rex told the New York Post. "I'm trying to get him to get a haircut. Hopefully, this is one of the things that motivate him to do so." 

5. Pepper shaker: New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick got all mushy and gushy in a statement about longtime linebackers coach Pepper Johnson, who announced he's leaving the team after 14 years. "Pepper made me a better coach and person and helped create some of the greatest moments of my career," said Belichick, who spent 24 years with Johnson in player/coach and coach/coach relationships. "He is a great player, coach and lifelong friend." 

Johnson had that effect on coaches. I remember a game in 1997, when Johnson was playing for the Jets and suffered a season-ending leg injury. Bill Parcells became emotional in his postgame news conference as he described Johnson writhing in pain in the trainer's room. Johnson meant so much to Parcells that, as we later found out, he delivered his postgame address to the team in the trainer's room, cramming all the players and coaches in there j

[neckdemon]

wilkerson is a great player. and there is something to be said for showing some appreciation to a great player by giving them a contract. but, also, you have to do what makes the most financial sense while securing your teams long term potential. i would probably wait till the end of next year to give him a contract

[joewillie78]

He's probably seething that Tanny still isn't the GM, as he looks at Sanchez and see's one of the worst QB's to ever play in the NFL , and Tanny gave the guy a guaranteed extension, and here he is stuck at some rookie contract and the Tag for 3 more years.

[Gastineau Lives]

I assume they'll wait to see how free agency plays out before talking to Wilkerson? (I know **** all about this stuff)

[Obrien2Toon]

Where's Pepper going?

[Greenseed4]

Nobody's head explode; maybe they're trading him. 

[Gastineau Lives]

Nobody's head explode; maybe they're trading him. 

 

Not this again!

[Larz]

don't make a decision until you have to

 

idzy should wait mo out

[Bleedin Green]

I assume they'll wait to see how free agency plays out before talking to Wilkerson? (I know **** all about this stuff)

 

Yeah, I doubt Wilkerson will be a priority right now even if they are interested in extending him.  They can wait until they've sorted out their other contracts first and, if they still find themselves with plenty of money left over, then start talking to him.  Of course even then it would probably mean them getting Wilkerson to take a good deal (for them) in order to be willing to do it at this point.  Maybe negotiating an extension to the current deal which would keep this year and next at the same rate, but the benefit for Wilkerson being a longer term commitment, more money in those subsequent years, and of course, a big lump sum of bonus cash up front (with some other guarantees probably thrown in there as well).  We'll see, but how much of that big chunk of cap room they spend in FA will likely play into it.

[flgreen]

wilkerson is a great player. and there is something to be said for showing some appreciation to a great player by giving them a contract. but, also, you have to do what makes the most financial sense while securing your teams long term potential. i would probably wait till the end of next year to give him a contract

 

wilkerson is a great player. and there is something to be said for showing some appreciation to a great player by giving them a contract. but, also, you have to do what makes the most financial sense while securing your teams long term potential. i would probably wait till the end of next year to give him a contract

Yeah I agree with this.   

 

Pay him next year.   He won't have to go through the BS of playing his last commit-ed year, and still gets paid.  Should be good for everyone 

[neckdemon]

does anyone know what they changed in the cba that makes a hold out more difficult?

[eboozer]

Yeah I agree with this.   

 

Pay him next year.   He won't have to go through the BS of playing his last commit-ed year, and still gets paid.  Should be good for everyone 

If he blows out a knee in '14 you'll be wishing you held back a yr. for the BIG contract.

[denden29]

does anyone know what they changed in the cba that makes a hold out more difficult?

Under the new NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement they raised the daily fines from around $16,000 per day to $30,000 per day for a holdout and if a player doesn't report to camp at least 30 days before the regular season they cannot accrue a season (this however was not new in the 2011 CBA), which allows for a pay increase and adds a year towards earning unrestricted free agency.

[Lupz27]

wilkerson is a great player. and there is something to be said for showing some appreciation to a great player by giving them a contract. but, also, you have to do what makes the most financial sense while securing your teams long term potential. i would probably wait till the end of next year to give him a contract

"you have to do what makes the most financial sense while securing your teams long term potential"

This, BUT this also applies to players, if a player wants to hold out because he thinks it makes the most financial sense he should not be vilified like Revis was, obviously (whether you, or anyone else thinks he is worth it) Revis gambled, and proved correct getting a team to commit 16 mill per year for at least 1 year, and probably at the very least a 2nd year, so that is 32 million in 2 years instead of taking a team friendly deal, and probably getting that in 3 years, so it was in his best interest financially to do what he has done through out his career. All teams are free to do these financial sense things, and so should players, and don't give me this honor your contract BS, if its not guaranteed, and the team can break that contract, and cut you whenever they want you should be allowed to renegotiate any time you feel necessary, and if holding out is the best option for Wilk like it was Revis I won't blame him for it, he has millions of dollars at stake here, and if he suffers a career threatening injury he loses it all! It's a business, and it works both ways, and the owners refuse to acknowledge this.

[eboozer]

Under the new NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement they raised the daily fines from around $16,000 per day to $30,000 per day for a holdout and if a player doesn't report to camp at least 30 days before the regular season they cannot accrue a season (this however was not new in the 2011 CBA), which allows for a pay increase and adds a year towards earning unrestricted free agency.

Damn! Dude! Way to bring it!

[bitonti]

bottom line Idzik hasn't spent any Jets money and it's at least fair to question that he will. We've heard how cap strapped they were in 2013, they aren't so strapped this year.  If he's not paying Mo who is he gonna pay ?

 

subtext please sign eric Decker and prove me wrong

 

 

 

btw sheldon getting robbed DROY he scored 2 "fridge" touchdowns this year its not technically defense but that has to be worth something.  

[dbatesman]

bottom line Idzik hasn't spent any Jets money and it's at least fair to question that he will. We've heard how cap strapped theIf he's not paying Mo who is he gonna pay ?

"Hi, everyone. I didn't read a word of the article and have absolutely no clue what the hell is going on, but here's some world-class concern-trolling. btw, anyone else pumped for Macklemore winning Best New Artist?"

[Joe Jets fan]

When a team has a large chunk of cap room it's a great time to extend your players. You can use this years cap room to keep his number low for the next few years. Low yearly salery with big signing bonus. The bonus you don't spread out.

I know they need plenty of new players but our draft picks will not use up much cap. Should allow them to sign a few impact players and keep out if cap hell for the next few years.

I can't wait to see a long term plan take effect for once.

[bitonti]

"Hi, everyone. I didn't read a word of the article and have absolutely no clue what the hell is going on, but here's some world-class concern-trolling. btw, anyone else pumped for Macklemore winning Best New Artist?"

 

cmon dude i planned my evening around daft punk with stevie wonder 

 

i understand why they aren't paying Mo but this team has a bad habit of not paying their best defender. 

[RutgersJetFan]

bottom line Idzik hasn't spent any Jets money and it's at least fair to question that he will. We've heard how cap strapped they were in 2013, they aren't so strapped this year.  If he's not paying Mo who is he gonna pay ?

 

subtext please sign eric Decker and prove me wrong

 

 

 

btw sheldon getting robbed DROY he scored 2 "fridge" touchdowns this year its not technically defense but that has to be worth something.  

 

 

"Hi, everyone. I didn't read a word of the article and have absolutely no clue what the hell is going on, but here's some world-class concern-trolling. btw, anyone else pumped for Macklemore winning Best New Artist?"

 

 

cmon dude i planned my evening around daft punk with stevie wonder 

 

i understand why they aren't paying Mo but this team has a bad habit of not paying their best defender. 

 

[Lizard King]

The guy will be a free agent before he's even in his physical prime. If the Jets don't want to lock him up before that, that's their fault. Something tells me he's only going to get better, not worse.

[Lizard King]

Mo on the fan in a minute

[joewillie78]

bottom line Idzik hasn't spent any Jets money and it's at least fair to question that he will. We've heard how cap strapped they were in 2013, they aren't so strapped this year.  If he's not paying Mo who is he gonna pay ?

 

subtext please sign eric Decker and prove me wrong

 

 

 

btw sheldon getting robbed DROY he scored 2 "fridge" touchdowns this year its not technically defense but that has to be worth something.

Who's he gonna pay? Manziel or Bridgewater after they trade up?

[slats]

I hadn't looked into it before, but this article makes sense. There's no reason for the Jets to give Wilkerson a new contract this year, and they won't. That option year is like a cheap franchise tag, and then they have the actual franchise tag to use after that (if need be). I'd like to see them lock him up next year, but even then they won't be under a lot of pressure to get it done.

Also, I'd love to see the Jets bring training camp back to Long Island. This is where their fan base is.

[#27TheDominator]

Even if they want to lock him up, it's unlikely they would do more than a handshake prior to the FA period.  They are going to need the extra money and flexibilty when they start talking to WR prospects.  Can't be caught $500K short on Decker or Golden Tate because you extended WIlkerson too early. 

[bitonti]

Who's he gonna pay? Manziel or Bridgewater after they trade up?

 

rookie contracts are a steal. who is he gonna pay indeed? It would have to be a free agent. 

 

I hadn't looked into it before, but this article makes sense. There's no reason for the Jets to give Wilkerson a new contract this year, and they won't. That option year is like a cheap franchise tag, and then they have the actual franchise tag to use after that (if need be). I'd like to see them lock him up next year, but even then they won't be under a lot of pressure to get it done.

Also, I'd love to see the Jets bring training camp back to Long Island. This is where their fan base is.

 

there are several reasons to pay Wilk actually. 1) cause he hasn't made the pro bowl yet and his price will only go up 2) Cause he deserves it and because it sends a good message to the locker room. 3) cause they have to pay someone 

 

It might make financial sense to wait a year it also makes financial sense to only sign vet min street free agents. 

 

if you own a Mo Wilkerson jersey right now it's like owning a Revis jersey in 2011. There's no way they will let this guy go... right? RIGHT??? and then they do the unthinkable and let him go. it's not like the JEts are lacking for DL options. The whole thing just seems murky. They have 30-40 mil in cap room and aren't giving any to MO.... ok.... 

 

btw prediction the training camp will be at Florham. most teams are staying home for camp. 

[dbatesman]

Sweet merciful crap.

[joewillie78]

rookie contracts are a steal. who is he gonna pay indeed? It would have to be a free agent. 

 

 

there are several reasons to pay Wilk actually. 1) cause he hasn't made the pro bowl yet and his price will only go up 2) Cause he deserves it and because it sends a good message to the locker room. 3) cause they have to pay someone 

 

It might make financial sense to wait a year it also makes financial sense to only sign vet min street free agents. 

 

if you own a Mo Wilkerson jersey right now it's like owning a Revis jersey in 2011. There's no way they will let this guy go... right? RIGHT??? and then they do the unthinkable and let him go. it's not like the JEts are lacking for DL options. The whole thing just seems murky. They have 30-40 mil in cap room and aren't giving any to MO.... ok.... 

 

btw prediction the training camp will be at Florham. most teams are staying home for camp.

A few thoughts on what you wrote.

Yes, rookie contracts are cheap, so they should try to trade up this year, given the huge amount of firepower they have with all the extra draft picks, they can afford to give up, given they have huge cap space to fill in the holes through FA.

I would also wait on MO, as you bring up Revis, and he is a perfect example of someone we paid millions of dollars to when he was INJURED, and the same (obviously we hope not) could happen to MO at anytime. It makes more sense to wait.

As someone who lives about 10 miles from the Cortland Campus, and watches Cortland become relevant for about a month, it will be disappointing to lose the Jets. Its about the only thing I Like about our inept coach is that he usually pushes for Cortland.

[slats]

there are several reasons to pay Wilk actually. 1) cause he hasn't made the pro bowl yet and his price will only go up 2) Cause he deserves it and because it sends a good message to the locker room. 3) cause they have to pay someone 

I laugh at all of those "reasons," but especially the third one.

1.) His price going up -if it does- is not a factor when you consider he's probably a $10M/year guy making $2.1M this year, with an option to make around $5M next year. Why pay him $20M when you have him locked up for $7M? Not to mention the fact that if he has a down year, or gets hurt, his price can go down.

2.) the locker room understands that it's a business. A good message to them would be to add more desperately needed talent to the team via free agency.

3.) are you ****ing kidding me? Giving Wilkerson a premature raise doesn't improve the roster, adding free agents should.

[Lizard King]

rookie contracts are a steal. who is he gonna pay indeed? It would have to be a free agent. 

 

 

there are several reasons to pay Wilk actually. 1) cause he hasn't made the pro bowl yet and his price will only go up 2) Cause he deserves it and because it sends a good message to the locker room. 3) cause they have to pay someone 

 

It might make financial sense to wait a year it also makes financial sense to only sign vet min street free agents. 

 

if you own a Mo Wilkerson jersey right now it's like owning a Revis jersey in 2011. There's no way they will let this guy go... right? RIGHT??? and then they do the unthinkable and let him go. it's not like the JEts are lacking for DL options. The whole thing just seems murky. They have 30-40 mil in cap room and aren't giving any to MO.... ok.... 

 

btw prediction the training camp will be at Florham. most teams are staying home for camp. 

I'm sorry but no. You don't build dynasties by turning over your dominant lineman. Corners are not franchise cornerstones. Wilkersons do not grow on trees.

[Lizard King]

I hadn't looked into it before, but this article makes sense. There's no reason for the Jets to give Wilkerson a new contract this year, and they won't. That option year is like a cheap franchise tag, and then they have the actual franchise tag to use after that (if need be). I'd like to see them lock him up next year, but even then they won't be under a lot of pressure to get it done.

Also, I'd love to see the Jets bring training camp back to Long Island. This is where their fan base is.

They'll do it next year so they can take the pain of the Franchise Tag off in year 6.

[ylekram]

I hadn't looked into it before, but this article makes sense. There's no reason for the Jets to give Wilkerson a new contract this year, and they won't. That option year is like a cheap franchise tag, and then they have the actual franchise tag to use after that (if need be). I'd like to see them lock him up next year, but even then they won't be under a lot of pressure to get it done.

Also, I'd love to see the Jets bring training camp back to Long Island. This is where their fan base is.

they basically control wilks for the next 4 years without having a new contract. I would say they let him play out this year, pick up the 5th year option next year, and give him a new contract in 2016 using the franchise tag as leverage. wilks next contract wont come cheap, might as well keep him cheap as long as you can. its not like the jets will be sh*tting on wilks, all 32 teams will be using this formula

[bitonti]

3.) are you ****ing kidding me? Giving Wilkerson a premature raise doesn't improve the roster, adding free agents should.

 

let's see who they add. If history is any guide we will watch all the good WR get signed in the first two weeks of free agency and the Jets sign Kenny Britt in June .

[jgb]

football contracts are weird. a player doesn't get the benefit of "good" deals for him (he gets cut) and a team doesn't get the benefit of "good" deals for it (it is often pressured by holdouts and other tactics to renegotiate when a contract has been "outplayed"). i realize this is a simplistic viewpoint and absent guaranteed contracts it is what it is but it seems like an inefficient way to do things.

[dbatesman]

let's see who they add. If history is any guide we will watch all the good WR get signed in the first two weeks of free agency and the Jets sign Kenny Britt in June .