Arizona Cardinals: 5 free agent targets placed with tag

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Nov 29, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) celebrates his sack of Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17)(not shown) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports /

Muhammad Wilkerson, DE, New York Jets

I didn’t put Wilkerson down last month as a target for the Cardinals. This doesn’t mean the Cardinals wouldn’t be interested. It just means the Jets did exactly what I thought they would do to him. They tagged him on Tuesday. He had 12 sacks in 2015.

Wilkerson played for former Cardinals defensive coordinator and current Jets coach Todd Bowles in 2015. Wilkerson would be coming to a similar style of defense in Arizona. He is one of the best pass rushers available but now it appears he will be off the market. The Jets can not afford to lose him, despite a broken leg that ended his 2015 season.

In his nine NFL seasons, Wilkerson has 36.5 sacks. He can get after it. I’m sure there are Jets fans more than happy to see the team willing to pay more than his current market value.

Next: A slightly surprise franchise tag

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