NFL

Richardson tells Jets to ‘do the right thing’ and pay Wilkerson

The Jets have yet to give star defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson a long-term contract, but one of his fellow linemen is hoping it happens soon.

Sheldon Richardson said he’s kept an eye on the reports about Wilkerson’s contract status, and he believes the Jets should give Wilkerson a new deal.

“Hopefully, they do the right thing and pay the man,” Richardson said. “That’s coming from me. That’s somebody I want around. But it’s just business. You have no control over it.

“He’s due for a paycheck, though. Believe that, he’s due for a paycheck.”

Wilkerson was a second-team All-Pro player in 2013. He led the Jets with 10 ½ sacks last season. He will make a base salary of $1.2 million this season along with $975,000 in bonuses. The Jets picked up a fifth-year option on Wilkerson for 2015, when he will make $6.9 million.

The Jets could keep Wilkerson on the team in 2016 without giving him a new contract by using the franchise tag on him.

Richardson, the 2013 Defensive Rookie of the Year, may face similar contract issues in a few years. He is not eligible to rework his deal until after the 2015 season, though, per CBA rules.