A couple of days ago, ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter reported that the Philadelphia Eagles signed defensive lineman Fletcher Cox to an extension for six years, $103 million with $63 million guaranteed. That is the highest guarantee for a non-quarterback in NFL history.
Cox is a good player but he hasn’t done anything to deserve that kind of contract. He has 22.5 career sacks in four years while his salary is for someone that’s done that in one year. Enter Denver Broncos OLB Von Miller and New York Jets DE Muhammad Wilkerson.
Thos are two the most dominant defensive players in the NFL today and they got slapped with franchise tags this offseason. Miller probably feels the worst of the two because he just helped his team win a Super Bowl. But neither of the two are feeling the love from their respective teams.
Wilkerson told The New York Post’s Brian Costello this week, “It’s shocking. It’s frustrating, Because I feel like I’ve earned it and I deserve it. It would be different if I was just a mediocre player. I feel like each and every week I’m dominating and it’s showing. The stats speak for themselves.
“Basically, what more do I need to do? You know what I mean?”
When comparing himself to Cox, he said, “I think he’s a great player. Do I feel like I’m better than him? Yes,” Wilkerson said. “Not to be cocky, it’s just a confidence thing. Everybody in the league that plays feels like they’re the best player at their position.
“If you ask any NFL player, they’re going to say they’re the best at their position. I feel like I’m better than him and whatever (his deal is) I deserve that or better.”
It was originally thought that Miller would play the 2016 season under the $14.129 million franchise tag. I don’t know if that was a mistake or if Miller changed course on that after Cox signed his deal but Miller has recently made it clear on Instagram Wednesday that isn’t the case.
He wrote, “I love my teammates, coaches, and my fans but there is no chance I play the 2016 season under the Franchise tag.”
As neither have reported to minicamp, the Broncos and Jets have until the CBA’s July 15 deadline to reach an agreement with Wilkerson and Miller respectively. If that doesn’t happen, both teams could be without their best football player until they pay up.
The Broncos and Jets don’t have the salary-cap space the Eagles had so this will be interesting!