In his second season of a five year, $86 million deal, Muhammad Wilkerson was released by the New York Jets after an underwhelming season. Since signing his big contract extension in July 2016, he has only registered 8 sacks and 104 total tackles in 28 games played.
Although he is two seasons removed from his Pro-Bowl form, I still believe Wilkerson has a lot left on the table as a 5-technique end who has the ability to contribute on all 3-downs.
5 best team fits for Muhammad Wilkerson:
5. Los Angeles Chargers
Where he would plug into their depth chart: 2nd-String Left End
He would be slotted in behind Joey Bosa on the depth chart but the Chargers would want to get Wilkerson on the field as the same time of both Bosa and Melvin Ingram. Imagine facing a defensive line that consists of the three of them. It would be extremely difficult to both run and pass against them because all three of them are very good against the run while Bosa and Ingram are both elite pass rushers.
4. Arizona Cardinals
Where he would plug into their depth chart: Starting Left End
Wilkerson and Chandler Jones paired beside each other would wreak havoc against opposing offenses. I think Arizona would be a great fit but pairing him with Robert Nkemdiche worries me. They have been on similar paths in their career, in the sense that they both have all the talent in the world but off the field issues are interfering with their careers.
3. Denver Broncos
Where he would plug into their depth chart: Starting Right End
Wilkerson is normally a Left End but the Broncos already have Derek Wolfe in place. He would play to the inside of Von Miller and that would benefit the both of them because of how much they are to handle as rushers. Having two players of that caliber on the same side would completely demand opposing offense’s attention. That would allow Wolfe, Shane Ray, and Shaquil Barrett to do their thing on the left side on the line of scrimmage.
2. Buffalo Bills
Where he would plug into their depth chart: Starting Left End
Wilkerson is primarily a 5-technique and the Bills run a 4-3 defense, but when you have the opportunity to add a player with as much potential as Wilkerson, you’re willing to adapt your defense. The Bills already have two good Edge Rushers in Jerry Hughes and Lorenzo Alexander and I think Wilkerson could fit nicely inside either of the two.
1. Indianapolis Colts
Where he would plug into their depth chart: Starting Left End
The Colts really need a player like Wilkerson. Out of all of the 32 NFL teams, he would make the biggest impact in Indianapolis because of their lack of star players. Wilkerson might be two years removed from being a star in the NFL but the potential is still there and the Colts need to make a push for him regardless of his off field issues.
Image Credit:
Embed from Getty Images
