Mo Wilkerson, Mo Sacks – Daniel Beebe

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The New York Jets may have just made a new friend in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Buccaneers lacked a defensive line that could pressure any opposing quarterback. The New York Jets just released one of the game’s premier pass rushers in Muhammad Wilkerson.

Wilkerson signed a 5 year $86 million extension with the New York Jets in 2016. In two years the Jets have decided to release Wilkerson.  According to Head Coach Todd Bowles, this was a business decision and not related to disciplinary actions at all. The Buccaneers released defensive lineman Chris Baker earlier this offseason. Could this be the guy that helps take the pressure off of Gerald McCoy? It is definitely a possibility.

Wilkerson has never played in less than 13 games during his career.  He has 243 tackles and 44.5 sacks with the Jets. He has even managed to collect 2 interceptions. In 2017, Wilkerson managed only 26 tackles and 3.5 sacks, however, he did record 20 sacks in the last three season. What was the difference in production? My only guess is that teams double teamed Wilkerson due to the lack of talent the Jets posses on defense.  In 2017, the Jets ranked near the bottom of the league in sacks (28).

Will the Buccaneers bring in Wilkerson? It definitely seems to be the perfect match. Wilkerson will be 29 years old and is entering his 9th NFL season. In 2017, Tampa Bay ranked dead last in the league for sacks (22). The Buccaneers need a pass rusher like Wilkerson. If GM Jason Licht brings in Wilkerson not only would it help McCoy, but our defense could jump up to one of the league’s best. It is a must do move in my opinion, but we will see where Wilkerson lands.

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