ESPN -- The New England Patriots' stunning trade on Tuesday -- Chandler Jones to the Arizona Cardinals -- triggers a few thoughts about Muhammad Wilkerson, the subject of trade speculation. He and Jones are two of the better defensive ends in the league. They're both 26, and their production over the past four seasons is comparable: Wilkerson has 33.5 sacks, Jones 36.
The No. 1 takeaway on the Jones trade: There's one less buyer in the defensive-end market. The trade reinforces how difficult it would be for the New York Jets to trade Wilkerson. The big reason is money.
Jones will make $7.79 million in the final year of his contract. Wilkerson, whose franchise tag is worth $15.7 million, wouldn't agree to a long-term deal (a prerequisite in a tag-and-trade scenario) unless it includes at least $40 million in guarantees. And that's probably a conservative estimate.
You have to think the Cardinals, desperate for an edge rusher, gave some thought to Wilkerson. In the end, they probably looked at the price tags, deciding they would rather go one year with Jones than opening the vault for Wilkerson. That's why teams are skittish about the tag-and-trade: It costs a lot of money, plus there is the compensation.
The Patriots are getting a late second-round pick and oft-injured guard/center Jonathan Cooper, a former top-10 pick. Cooper is a serviceable starter at best, so this was basically Jones for a second-rounder.
How would you feel if the Jets traded Wilkerson, their best defensive player, for a second-round pick? Probably not too good.
If the Jones trade sets the trade market for top defensive ends, the Jets will have a hard time prying a first-round pick out of a team. I still believe the Jets are open to dealing Wilkerson before or during the draft, but it would take a special circumstance to make it happen. I also don't think the Jets have ruled out a long-term deal for Wilkerson, although my gut tells me he'll end up playing in 2016 for the franchise number.
As for the Patriots' trade, it's always fascinating to dissect Bill Belichick's moves. His history shows he would rather trade a player a year too early than a year too late. With four key defensive players entering the final year of their contract, he decided to cut bait with Jones rather than be held hostage by his contract demands after the season. Belichick didn't get enough in return, but he probably figures he would've received nothing next year, when Jones will be a free agent.
Could the Jets have done the same with Wilkerson? The thought crossed Mike Maccagnan's mind last spring; remember, the general manager was willing to listen to offers before and during the draft, especially after they picked Leonard Williams. Maccagnan decided to stand pat; the Patriots acted swiftly.
Two rivals, two different philosophies.
The No. 1 takeaway on the Jones trade: There's one less buyer in the defensive-end market. The trade reinforces how difficult it would be for the New York Jets to trade Wilkerson. The big reason is money.
Jones will make $7.79 million in the final year of his contract. Wilkerson, whose franchise tag is worth $15.7 million, wouldn't agree to a long-term deal (a prerequisite in a tag-and-trade scenario) unless it includes at least $40 million in guarantees. And that's probably a conservative estimate.
You have to think the Cardinals, desperate for an edge rusher, gave some thought to Wilkerson. In the end, they probably looked at the price tags, deciding they would rather go one year with Jones than opening the vault for Wilkerson. That's why teams are skittish about the tag-and-trade: It costs a lot of money, plus there is the compensation.
The Patriots are getting a late second-round pick and oft-injured guard/center Jonathan Cooper, a former top-10 pick. Cooper is a serviceable starter at best, so this was basically Jones for a second-rounder.
How would you feel if the Jets traded Wilkerson, their best defensive player, for a second-round pick? Probably not too good.
If the Jones trade sets the trade market for top defensive ends, the Jets will have a hard time prying a first-round pick out of a team. I still believe the Jets are open to dealing Wilkerson before or during the draft, but it would take a special circumstance to make it happen. I also don't think the Jets have ruled out a long-term deal for Wilkerson, although my gut tells me he'll end up playing in 2016 for the franchise number.
As for the Patriots' trade, it's always fascinating to dissect Bill Belichick's moves. His history shows he would rather trade a player a year too early than a year too late. With four key defensive players entering the final year of their contract, he decided to cut bait with Jones rather than be held hostage by his contract demands after the season. Belichick didn't get enough in return, but he probably figures he would've received nothing next year, when Jones will be a free agent.
Could the Jets have done the same with Wilkerson? The thought crossed Mike Maccagnan's mind last spring; remember, the general manager was willing to listen to offers before and during the draft, especially after they picked Leonard Williams. Maccagnan decided to stand pat; the Patriots acted swiftly.
Two rivals, two different philosophies.
