A Chicago Bears Muhammad Wilkerson idea was born a year ago around this time. It was well-known the defensive end wasn’t on the best terms with the New York Jets. Many believed the team would look to trade him despite a down 2016. In the end, a deal never happened. Wilkerson played out another season in New York.
It seems the Jets finally gave up that hope. Given Wilkerson’s bloated contract, the odds of dealing him now were remote. Thus New York had seen enough. The 28-year old was granted his release, making him a free agent. He now becomes one of the most fascinating players on the market. Wilkerson was a beast in 2015, racking up 12 sacks.
Since then? He has eight total in two seasons. Some wonder if he just stopped playing hard after he got his big payday. An all-too-common occurrence in the NFL. Perhaps he didn’t care for the new coaching staff. It’s unknown. Yet he’s a hard talent to ignore. Maybe, just maybe he can regain that dominant for if put in the right situation.
We have released DL Muhammad Wilkerson. pic.twitter.com/NhLfoREpLK
— New York Jets (@nyjets) February 28, 2018
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Chicago Bears Muhammad Wilkerson idea may be more than speculation
Why is Wilkerson such a big deal to Bears fans? He represents the last piece of what could be a special puzzle on defense. Chicago already has two studs in place with Akiem Hicks and Eddie Goldman. If they can put one more up front on a similar level, that defensive front could be frightening. Wilkerson has demonstrated such ability before.
Inside the Film Room, @BartScott57 drops a @michaeljackson reference while looking at a @mowilkerson sack: https://t.co/0PsorqZ4A3 pic.twitter.com/ZnYHH5MsP5
— Eric Allen (@eallenjets) November 9, 2017
The question is are the Bears interested in making this happen? They have loads of cap space so money shouldn’t be a deterrent. It comes down to whether they trust defensive coordinator Vic Fangio can motivate Wilkerson to play better. He’s no stranger to coaching guys with character questions. I reached out to a source about whether the Bears had any interest and if they might pursue Wilkerson. I got back a fairly concise and definitive answer.
“Very Hard”
If true this is a welcome change from Pace. Normally he’s cautious about taking risks on character question marks. Even so, he knows he’s up against the clock to get this team winning football games. The reward would far outweigh the risk for the Bears. If Wilkerson were to regain even a portion of his 2015 form, this defense would be insane up front. Never mind the pending return of Leonard Floyd on the edge.
