Muhammad Wilkerson released by Jets making for big time intriguing free agent option for Raiders

With a huge cap hit for the Jets looming, the team made the expected move and cut former Pro Bowl defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson. Thus adding a tremendous talent to the group of free agents out there.

Wilkerson was a cap casualty to be certain, representing $20 million this season.

The former first round pick’s best season came in 2015 when he put up 12.0 sacks, and earning him a big time new 5-year deal. He made it two seasons into that new deal and after putting up just 8.0 sacks in that time, his $20M cap hit was too rich for the Jets’ blood.

He had some issues over that time. First a broken ankle in the 2016 offseason. Then late last season he was suspended for the final two weeks for being late for two meeting.

Even with his production down, and his tardiness issue that got him suspended, he’s still among the league’s best interior defensive linemen and will have a significant market. The Raiders have a significant need at defensive tackle, so it could be wise to give him a look. Which if they do, they could do before free agency heats up in two weeks.