Packers to meet with Muhammad Wilkerson, per report
The Green Bay Packers reportedly have interest in New York Jets defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson.
The Green Bay Packers could be about to add more talent to the defensive line.
Muhammad Wilkerson is expected to be released by the Jets on Monday, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Rapoport also expects his first visit to be with the Packers.
Despite announcing it last week, the #Jets haven’t officially released DE Muhammad Wilkerson yet. That should happen today... and I’m told his first free agent visit is likely to be with the #Packers. New defensive coordinator Mike Pettine could help rejuvenate his career.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 5, 2018
The Jets tweeted that Wilkerson had been released on Feb. 28, but Rapoport reported that he will actually leave the team on Monday.
Wilkerson, twice a second-team All-Pro and a Pro Bowler in 2015, could help make the Packers’ defensive line one of the league’s very best. A trio of Wilkerson, Mike Daniels and Kenny Clark would be a lot of fun.
One reason why Wilkerson could be interested in signing with the Packers is new defensive coordinator Mike Pettine, who he played under from 2011 to 2012.
There is obvious mutual interest between the #Packers and DE Muhammad Wilkerson because of Mike Pettine, but no visit has been discussed because Wilkerson hasn’t been officially released by the #Jets. Wilkerson will probably make several visits but no one is doing anything yet.
— Tom Silverstein (@TomSilverstein) March 5, 2018
The 28-year-old posted eight sacks in two years with Pettine, his first two seasons in the league. His best year came in 2015, when he registered 12 sacks.
There’s of course a difference between showing interest in a player and actually signing him.
The price has to be right for both the Packers and Wilkerson. New general manager Brian Gutekunst needs to determine whether Wilkerson is worth the money. He hasn’t been consistent enough in recent years, but we’ve all seen in the past how dominant he can be.
The idea of a Wilkerson-Daniels-Clark trio up front is about as exciting as it gets, particularly with Mike Pettine taking control of the defense. But is this version of Wilkerson the same one that dominated in 2015? If Gutekunst and the Packers believe the answer is yes, then it’s a move they should make.
This is going to be the most interesting free agency in Packers News for some time.
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Do you think Green Bay should sign Wilkerson when he becomes a free agent? Would he be a good fit in Mike Pettine’s defense?