Green Bay Packers defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson didn't see this past season play out the way he hoped, and it's redemption time for the former All-Pro. Rob Demovsky of ESPN reported on Wilkerson's status going into the 2019 season.
“…there is ‘mutual interest' between the Packers and Wilkerson for next season. Wilkerson signed a one-year, $5 million contract last year and he was forced to be put on injured reserve after Week Three because he suffered an ankle injury.”
Getting Wilkerson back would be huge for a Packers pass rush headlined by Mike Daniels and Kenny Clark, but he'll need to come back healthy to do so. Green Bay did show some promise in 2018 defensively at times and they have a solid group of players to complement the offense to make a run this season.
The Packers defense hasn't been much of a threat since winning the Super Bowl back in 2010 with a young Clay Matthews and Charles Woodson, but Wilkerson could help them go in the right direction.
“Packers current defensive coordinator Mike Pettine was Wilkerson's defensive coordinator for two seasons and he helped Wilkerson improve his game which led to him recording 10.5 sacks in 2013 and 12 sacks in 2015. Before the 2018 season, Wilkerson recorded 498 tackles (324 solo), 44.5 sacks, two interceptions, 26 passes defended, 10 forced fumbles and a fumble recovery that he returned for a touchdown in 101 games.”
Wilkerson will hope to bounce back next season with a new-look Packers team, but a familiar face as his defensive coach. The connection between Pettine and Wilkerson may be exactly what both individuals need to revamp the Packers and get them back into the playoffs.
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