Buccaneers: Chance to learn from the past with Muhammad Wilkerson
The New York Jets released talented defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson clearing eleven million of their 2018 cap number and intriguing many a Buccaneers fan in the process. There’s no doubt the Bucs need another defensive end, but is Wilkerson the guy?
When he walks into the Buccaneers locker room, everybody will notice. Not just because of his size but more than that.
While being over 6’2” and weighing in north of 315 lbs is enough to get anybody noticed, it’s also his demeanor.
The man truly loves to play football. And he’s good at it.
In recent history he’s started all 16 games for his previous franchise and in another he notched over six sacks in a single season. The same amount All-Pro defensive tackle Gerald McCoy had in 2017.
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At his signing, he’s on the right side of 30-years old too. Even better.
So why not bring him in? Well, for starters, there are rumors coming from opposing locker rooms that he just doesn’t take the job seriously. Doesn’t give it his all.
But enough about Chris Baker.
All these words could have been written about Baker just like they could be written about Wilkerson if he walks into One Buc Place.
Granted, Wilkerson’s resume goes a bit deeper. With 10.5 and 12 sacks in 2013 and 2015 respectively, the former Jets player has had a better career terrorizing offensive lines than Baker had to this point last year.
He’s also younger than Baker was, by a year.
But, the same concerns about work ethic and dedication are there. And they’re real. The Buccaneers are all too familiar with how real these personality conflicts can become.
If you listened or read James Yarcho’s comments about the Marcus Peters trade and why the Bucs were right to not get involved, this is going to sound familiar.
The team just doesn’t have the type of leaders on the roster necessary to reign in a personality like Wilkerson’s.
He’s not as established in the league as McCoy, but he’s got the stats and performance history to believe he doesn’t need to play second fiddle to anyone. And the current captain in the defensive line room isn’t necessarily an ‘A-type’ personality.
The final piece of evidence I present to you as to why Jason Licht would be wise to avoid this free-agent, comes from November of 2016.
NFL.com’s Dan Hanzus chronicled a story he was told about Wilkerson missing not only a walk through, not only being late to practices and meetings, but skipping out on his own birthday party.
You can read the story at the link, but I ask you this: If a man can’t show up for you to celebrate him, can you count on him to show up when he needs to step up for the team?
"Speaking of potential additions, the Locked on Bucs podcast addressed the team’s decision to not pursue Marcus Peters in trade."