Jets GM Mike Maccagnan very happy with Muhammad Wilkerson but new deal will have to wait

The time and place for locking up New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson to a long-term deal will come when the offseason is over, so says general manager Mike Maccagnan – who hailed one of his team’s biggest stars while preaching that his team will get through this season before re-igniting contract talks.

Wilkerson, in the last year of his rookie contract, has been seeking a long-term deal from the team since last offseason. He missed offseason workouts and Organized Team Activities (OTAs) during the spring, creating questions of apossibleholdout.Butthe former first round pickmade minicamp, as well as training camp, despiteno long-term deal being reached.

Maccagnan sounded pleased about Wilkerson, but said that his 5-4 Jets -smack dab in the middle of the season -will not be trying to sign theplayer atthis juncture.

“Mo has done a very good job and we’re very happy with what he’s done so far. And even just having been around him more now then I was in the offseason, obviously missing time in offseason and OTAs, but everything with my standpoint from Mo has been positive,” Maccagnan said on Wednesday when he met with reporters at the team’s facility.

“I think as a team we’re very happy with Mo. Those are things we’ll address when the season is over.”

Wilkerson wasan All-Pro selection in 2013, He’s putting together another solid year for the Jets that likely should get him his first ever Pro Bowl nod.

Wilkerson has 38 tackles this year and seven sacks, the latter of which leads the Jets.