Arizona Cardinals: Top 5 pass rushers they’ll face in 2016

Jan 3, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett (72) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett (72) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
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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
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, New York Jets

Wilkerson is under contract with the Jets for 2016, so he will be there when the two teams play on Monday Night Football on October 17th.   Right now there has been a lot of talk about giving him an extension as he is only under contract for 2016 thanks to the franchise tag.

This is the NFL though and it is a business, so contract negotiations can be a distraction. The latest news said this will be done soon and won’t be an issue come regular season.  They are also butting heads with free-agent quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Wilkerson had 64 tackles and 12 sacks to go along with two forced fumbles last season.  That’s the kind of production that spells payday.  Maybe it’s not break the bank payday but it’s close.

In addition to the sacks, he also had seven passes defensed.  He was all over the place.

Wilkerson will be entering his sixth season in the NFL and with a new contract likely in tow when he comes to Glendale, he will be out to prove the Jets did not make a mistake.

Next: A familiar foe

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