National Football League

Jets place non-exclusive franchise tag on Mo Wilkerson

Published Mar. 1, 2016 5:16 p.m. ET

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NEW YORK (AP) The New York Jets have placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Pro Bowl defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson.

The move was announced by the team Tuesday shortly after the NFL's 4 p.m. EST deadline for using the designation on a player. With the franchise tag, the Jets assure that Wilkerson will not be an unrestricted free agent when the NFL's signing period begins next week.

Wilkerson will be paid $15.701 million for the 2016 season. He has until July 15 to reach a multiyear deal with the Jets, or he must play the season under the tag. The team could also trade him.

Under the non-exclusive designation, the defensive end can negotiate with other teams, but New York can match any offer sheet. If he signs elsewhere, New York would be compensated by receiving two first-round draft picks.

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