Without a doubt the Jets will tag him, but there is still a possibility that the Jets might have to keep him at 16 million dollar per tag.( probably lose Snacks in the process). Limit what they can do in freeagency.
There should be cheaper pass rushers in Fa Than Wilkerson , and teams won't have to give up draft picks.( Oliveri Vernon, Tambi Hali, Vinny Curry) Not to mention some very good 3-4 De's Malik Jackson- will be in high demand, and Derek Wolfe). You alluded to the defense lineman in the draft.
Every team in the NFL would have interest in M Wilkerson if he hit the open market( just cash), but there is a difference if you have to give up draft picks also. I don't think the Jets will know teams interest after the Super Bowl for the simple fact it's going to take six months for Wilkerson leg to fully heal.( no one interested unless they can examine that leg- with the money your talking about you're going to have to pay him.
No doubt that the Wilkerson situation is going to be a big test for Macc. I wasn't talking about about the Jets having a deal in place after the Super Bowl, but just having an idea how much interest there is in him.
One thing I've observed about Macc is he seems to be a very laid back, likable guy who is well respected as a scout. Suspect GM's around the league like him.
Even a creep like Mehta has talked about what a nice guy he is. Said something along the lines of that "Macc apologizes to bugs before he hits them with the raid".
I suspect that Macc maybe calling all the teams that he thinks have need at DT/DE, you know just to chat.
Myself, I can't sell mittens to Eskimo's, but I have a friend who is an extremely successful marketer. Real easy going, laid back, guy, who can sell anything. LOL
I've talked to him about it a few times and all he says is "always have the client feeling like he has just screwed you, while your getting everything you want.
Think Macc is going to prove to be the same kind of guy . We'll have to wait and see how this all turns out. Macc showed he is a good horse trader in the Fitz, and Marshall deals last year. As is often said, it only takes one GM to make a deal happen. If there's market for Wilkerson out there, think Macc will find it.
Really going to hate to see him go, but I think that's what's going to happen.