Jan 3, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) is helped off the field as head coach Todd Bowles looks on during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Bills beat the Jets 22-17. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson will be sidelined approximately six months after recent surgery to repair his broken right leg.
Wilkerson broke his right fibula in the season-ending loss to the Buffalo Bills. He underwent surgery to repair the break and the team finally released a timetable for his recovery on Thursday.
Complicating the situation for both parties is that Wilkerson is slated to become an unrestricted free agent. The Jets can prevent that by placing the franchise tag on him if they can’t sign him by the March 1 deadline.
General manager Mike Maccagnan is expecting to work something out with Wilkerson.
“The simple answer is yes,” Maccagnan told reporters. “We’d very much like to have Muhammad back in the organization.”
The two sides attempted to negotiate a long-term contract prior to last season but couldn’t reach an agreement. Wilkerson played for $6.97 million in 2015 and posted a career-best 12 sacks.
