Jets beat deadline, sign Muhammad Wilkerson to extension

Published July 15, 2016

NEW YORK (AP) The New York Jets have signed Muhammad Wilkerson to a five-year contract extension, beating Friday's deadline after which the Pro Bowl defensive end would have had to play this season under the franchise tag amount of $15.7 million.

Wilkerson had a career-high 12 sacks last season and was selected for his first Pro Bowl, but was unable to play after breaking his right leg in the season finale at Buffalo. The 2011 first-round draft pick had said this offseason he was frustrated at not receiving a new deal from the Jets, but rather had the franchise tag applied to him.

It appeared the sides would not be able to reach an agreement before the deadline Friday afternoon, when franchised players had to sign new contracts or be forced to wait to renegotiate until next offseason.

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