Muhammad Wilkerson Shows Up and Speaks

Muhammad Wilkerson did come to the Jets' mandatory minicamp today. He did make it clear he is not thrilled with the progress on a new contract, though.

Mo Wilkerson says he's "frustrated" and thought he would have a new deal from the #Jets by now.

— Darryl Slater (@DarrylSlater) June 9, 2015

Wilkerson says if he has to play through his current contract, "so be it." #Jets

— Dennis Waszak Jr. (@DWAZ73) June 9, 2015

Mo Wilkerson declines to say if he will or won't stage a training camp holdout if #Jets don't give him a new deal.

— Darryl Slater (@DarrylSlater) June 9, 2015

Mo Wilkerson said he was told by agent that contract talks will start to pick up. Seeking long-term deal from Jets. #nyj

— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) June 9, 2015

Wilkerson said he views himself as that type of player, but said you have to ask the #Jets front office "if they feel the same way"

— Kimberley A. Martin (@KMart_LI) June 9, 2015

Just from reading what he said, this clearly does not sound like a player who is happy with the way the Jets have approached these negotiations to this point. I think it is important to note that these comments were likely planned between Wilkerson and his agent as part of the posturing game. He certainly knew going in the types of questions he would be asked and what would draw interest.

Right now things seem to depend on the Jets. I get the impression there has not been much urgency on this front, and that is not necessarily indicative of anything. The front office did have to focus on free agency and the Draft. Now the question is how serious the front office is about keeping Mo, and how much Mo actually wants. These are things we simply do not know at this point.

I would only advise against jumping to conclusions based on the tone of Wilkerson's comments today. Negotiations like these are frequently acrimonious. If the two sides agree to a deal both sides deem fair, all of the bad feelings have a way of melting away.