Jets' Richardson: Muhammad Wilkerson is worth 'Suh money'
New York Jets defensive end Sheldon Richardsontold the New York Daily Newsthat fellow Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson is worth “[Ndamukong] Suh money.”
Suh, a defensive tackle, left the Detroit Lions and signed a six-year, $114 million deal with the Miami Dolphins earlier this off-season.
Wilkerson skipped the Jets’ voluntary off-season program as he reportedly sought a new long-term deal from the team. On Tuesday, it was reported that Wilkerson is not expected to hold out and will attend the team’s minicamp this week.
“He's worth that penny,” Richardson told the Daily News. “And you know what penny I’m talking about ... We don’t just want J.J. Watt money. We want it all. We want [Ndamukong] Suh money. Hopefully everybody wants that type of bread in this league.”
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Richardson also cited the seven-year, $98 million extension the Tampa Bay Buccaneers gave defensive lineman Gerald McCoy last October.
“Why wouldn’t [Wilkerson deserve that]?” Richardson said. “If Gerald McCoy can get $100 million, I’m pretty sure my guy Mo Wilkerson can get $100 million.”
First-year Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan has said he would like to work out a deal for Wilkerson, but that any agreement would have to make sense for both sides.
Wilkerson is scheduled to make $6.97 million this season, the last of his rookie deal. He recorded 56 tackles, six sacks and one forced fumble in 13 games in 2014.
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- Molly Geary
