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Packers: NFL Spin Zone names Muhammad Wilkerson dark horse MVP candidate

By Freddie Boston

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 28: Muhammad Wilkerson #96 of the New York Jets reacts in the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at MetLife Stadium on September 28, 2014 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Ron Antonelli/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 28: Muhammad Wilkerson #96 of the New York Jets reacts in the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at MetLife Stadium on September 28, 2014 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Ron Antonelli/Getty Images) /
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Aaron Rodgers is the Green Bay Packers’ top MVP candidate for 2018, but what about Muhammad Wilkerson?

NFL Spin Zone recently named a dark horse MVP candidate for each team in the NFL. For the Green Bay Packers, new signing Muhammad Wilkerson was the choice.

Wilkerson signed a one-year, $5 million deal with the Packers in free agency, reuniting with defensive coordinator Mike Pettine, who coached him at the New York Jets.

Here’s what Dan Parzych of NFL Spin Zone wrote about Wilkerson in the article:

"“Even though his numbers have been down over the last two seasons, it wasn’t long ago back in 2015 in which Wilkerson set a career high of 12 sacks as a member of the New York Jets. Obviously, there’s nothing Green Bay would love more than to see him return to that level, and if it does happen, it will give the team a much better chance of competing in the NFC North.”"

As Parzych noted, the Packers will be hoping Wilkerson can rediscover his best form in Green Bay. He made the Pro Bowl in 2015, and was a second-team All-Pro twice, in 2013 and 2015.

If Wilkerson plays at a high level, Green Bay’s defensive line could be one of the best in the league. It was already the team’s strongest position group on defense last season due to the elite level of play by Mike Daniels and Kenny Clark. With Wilkerson alongside them, and with Pettine taking over as defensive coordinator, the defensive line has a lot of potential.

Signing Wilkerson was one of the biggest offseason moves made by new general manager Brian Gutekunst. Gutkeunst promised to be more aggressive in free agency, and stuck to his word by signing both Wilkerson and tight end Jimmy Graham.

Wilkerson will play an important role in Pettine’s defense, and could help the team get more sacks by providing interior pressure. He has posted double-digit sacks twice — he had 10.5 sacks in 2013, and 12 in 2015.

Next: Top 30 moments in Green Bay Packers history

Wilkerson is a great addition to Green Bay’s defense, but could he become the Packers’ MVP candidate?

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