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Patriots gridiron news: Muhammad Wilkerson would shine in New England

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 29: Defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 29: Defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson /
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Expected to be cut by the New York Jets, defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson could find a revival with the New England Patriots.

The New England Patriots will be looking to bolster their defensive unit this offseason.  If one Muhammad Wilkerson becomes available in free agency, there is no doubt Bill Belichick should kick the tires.

But will he?

With the way Wilkerson has dominated along the defensive line for the New York Jets through most his career, it would make sense for Belichick to show some interest.  Along with recording 36.5 sacks in his first five years in the NFL, the 6-foot-4, 315-pound defensive lineman has terrorized Tom Brady in those years.

So why would the Jets cut a player who has had so much success in the league?

Money and attitude of course.  Not only is Wilkerson guaranteed $16.75 million salary in 2018, he has been less than motivated playing with the Jets over the last couple seasons.  With just 8 sacks in his last 28 games, it appears he needs a revival.  That’s where the Patriots come in.

Revival in New England

Wilkerson is in need of an attitude adjustment and playing for Bill Belichick would certainly help.  While “The Patriot Way” doesn’t work for everyone, former teammate and current Patriots linebacker David Harris could influence the 28-year-old defensive lineman towards New England, at least on a one-year prove it deal.

The Patriots are deep at the defensive lineman position, so taking a chance on Wilkerson working out in place of an Alan Branch is worth the risk.  But, would it be worth the price?

Since Muhammad Wilkerson will not be expected to get more than a team-friendly one-year deal anywhere else in the NFL, why not play for a Super Bowl contending team where he could show the rest of the league he is still effective.

Not only would he help with the run defense, he would provide an interior pressure the New England Patriots have been in search of for a few seasons now.  Stick him on the line alongside Malcom Brown, Trey Flowers and Deatrich Wise and now we’re talking.

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With last year’s third-round pick Derek Rivers returning, along with Vincent Valentine, Adam Butler and veteran Lawrence Guy, adding Wilkerson or a player of his caliber would provide depth and strengthen a defensive line missing some attitude.

In summary, there is no doubt Muhammad Wilkerson would shine in New England if motivated..

Lawrence Guy gets $500k 

Speaking of veteran defensive tackle Lawrence Guy, the Patriots shelled out some extra dough for a player who worked hard all season long.

According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, New England rewarded Guy with a $5000,000 renegotiating signing bonus.  It was granted to him for missing a $500,000 playing time incentive by for 1 percent from his previous season.

Due to the fact that he played 54.8 percent of the defensive snaps in 2007, just percentage points under the 55 percent initial incentive bonus requirement, the Patriots still granted the bonus since he was rested in the season finale.

Next: Patriots gridiron news: Dreaming of an Aqib Talib reunion

Talk about a situation where rest really paid off.

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