It's all over for Big Mo at Florham Park, New Jersey. The news everybody knew was coming at some point during this particular offseason has come down on the same day the proud Matt Forte announced his retirement.

According to sources close to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the New York Jets have notified defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson of his release from the team.

Update: Jets now have informed DL Mo Wilkerson of his release, per source.

No surprise here.

The once feared interior defensive lineman—who many compared to a slight notch below J.J. Watt (believe it or not)—has represented a major disappointment for the Jets organization over the last two years.

Late for meetings, uninspired play on the field, and even run-ins with teammates didn't provide Mo even a slight view of self-awareness as he's on record stating “he's earned every penny” of the $37 million dished out over the first two years of his massive deal signed in August of 2016, via Daniel Popper of the New York Daily News.

Article Continues Below
More NFL News
Patrick Mahomes looking at Jac Caglianone
Patrick Mahomes’ perfect reaction to Royals’ Jac Caglianone callupNathan Yasis ·
Head coach Brian Daboll
Why Giants’ new quarterback Russell Wilson doesn’t mind the bright lights in NYDylan Fine ·
Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith (9) fights for yards during the second half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium.
Dolphins star Jonnu Smith’s agent reveals ‘first choice’ amid trade rumorsMiguel La Torre ·
Sean McVay has three hidden gem players on his 2025 Rams roster
3 Los Angeles Rams hidden gems on 2025 roster you need to knowLorenzo J Reyna ·
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) carries the ball in the third quarter against the San Francisco 49ersat Levi's Stadium. The Giants defeated the 49ers 27-23.
Odell Beckham Jr. makes heartbreaking confession on Giants exitRichard Pereira ·
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) signals from the line of scrimmage against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter at Hard Rock Stadium.
NFL rumors: Bills, 49ers among contenders that should seek Tyreek Hill tradeJaren Kawada ·

“I feel like I’ve earned everything I’ve gotten,” said Wilkerson, who practiced fully Wednesday.

Why?

“Because I feel like I’ve earned it,” Wilkerson responded.

Jets fandom would disagree. In fact, most of Jets fandom feels spurned by the man they, for so long, wanted to see receive that big payday they felt he earned while working on his rookie deal.

Wilkerson, 28, racked up 36.5 sacks over the course of his first five seasons while also putting fear into the opposing team's rushing attack. He also made the Pro Bowl in 2015, a season in which the Jets finished 10-6 with Ryan Fitzpatrick under center. Over his last two campaigns, Wilkerson's tallied just eight sacks and 59 tackles while providing the emotion of buyer's envy across the entire franchise.

The move saves the Jets more money, increasing their already large number of cap space prior to free agency opening. The only saving grace of the Wilkerson deal comes in the form of general manager Mike Maccagnan frontloading the long-term deal, allowing this release after two years to be so rewarding for the New York Jets.

Muhammad Wilkerson is now free to conduct business as he sees fit.