Big Mo Is Back!

If you had talked to any Jets fans over the last couple of weeks, they would have all said the same thing. They were worried a little about the possibility of losing Muhammad Wilkerson off that defensive line. Well folks, worry no more, because Big Mo is locked up to a long term deal. His contract is for five years worth $86 million, of which $36.75 million is guaranteed at signing, including a $15 million signing bonus. The contract, which averages $17.2 million per season, also includes an injury guarantee of $53.5 million.

I love this deal for both the team and for Mo. Look, Muhammad has been one of the Jets best defensive linemen. His entire five year career, to this point, in the NFL has been with the Jets. He's put up some pretty fantastic numbers. Last year alone, he had a career year with 12 sacks and the 2nd most tackles of his career at 69 (tied his career high of 69 in a year back in 2012). This past year he was a pro bowler and a 2nd team all pro, for the 2nd time in his career.

As his career has gone along, he has gotten better and better at playing in the NFL. He's gotten more comfortable with his game, and getting better as time marches on. The big thing with this deal was that he was franchise tagged and the Jets had till 4PM last Friday to get a long term deal done. Mo wasn't happy with the tag and felt that he should be given a long term deal. He wasn't even thinking about showing up to camp if he didn't have a new deal in place.

Now he's got a new deal and will be here for another five years, providing the anchor for this Jets defensive line.

Now that the Jets have one deal out of the way, its time to get working on the other one. Memo to the Jets, get your heads out of your rear ends and get Ryan Fitzpatrick a new deal. Think about it here. The three QB's the Jets have on the roster, Christian Hackenberg, Bryce Petty, and Geno Smith. Two rookies who aren't really ready to start in the NFL and a guy who has proven that he can't really hack it in this game at this level. Fitzpatrick had success with this team last year, and if it ain't broke, don't fix it. So bring Fitz back and let him do his thing under center until one of the other two rookie QB's are ready to go.

All in all though, it is fantastic to have Muhammad Wilkerson back in the mix where he belongs!