Free agency kicks off next week, but for Muhammad Wilkerson, the search for a new team has already begun.
Next up? Wilkerson is headed south to meet with the Saints, Rapoport was told.
Both teams would loom as intriguing landing spots for the 28-year-old defensive lineman. Wilkerson is a known quantity to Mike Pettine, the new Packers defensive coordinator who coached the former Pro Bowler in New York.
In New Orleans, Wilkerson would join a rugged defensive line led by Sheldon Rankins and holy terror Cameron Jordan.
The Packers let Wilkerson bolt without a contract, but not to worry Green Bay faithful: Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported the visit "went very well," noting the team is "still in contention" for the defensive behemoth's services.
Wilkerson fell out of favor with the Jets, but the physically freaky lineman still has plenty of gas left in the tank. He currently ranks at No. 18 on the Top 101 Free Agents list shepherded with care by Chris Wesseling and Gregg Rosenthal.
Here are other free agency developments from Friday:
- The 49ers announced they're not picking up the 2018 option on linebacker Elvis Dumervil. The 12-year veteran led the team with 6.5 sacks in his first season in San Francisco.
- The Steelers are expected to release safety Mike Mitchell next week, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported, via a source. Rapoport added they are open to bringing him back at a lower rate.
- The Bengals are not picking up cornerback Adam Jones' $5.5 million option but could bring him back to play nickel and return kicks.
- The Titans are releasing quarterback Matt Cassel, safety Da'Norris Searcy and receiver/special teamer Eric Weems, the team announced.
- Raiders defensive tackle Justin Ellishas agreed to terms on a three-year deal for more than $15 million, sources tell Rapoport. More than $6 million is guaranteed. The contract has not been finalized. Ellis was ranked No. 52 on the Top 101 Free Agents list.
