The Sports Xchange

Frustrated but optimistic a long-term contract can get done, defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson attended mandatory minicamp with his New York Jets teammates Tuesday at Florham Park, N.J.

Wilkerson said he is “very confident” a deal can be reached with new general manager Mike Maccagnan and head coach Todd Bowles helping call the shots.

Wilkerson, who was taken by the Jets in the first round of the 2011 NFL draft, is due to make $6.97 million in 2015, the final year of his rookie contract. He made 55 tackles and 5.5 sacks last season.

“It’s a business; I guess it takes a long time,” Wilkerson said of a long-term contract extension last week at his bowling for charity event. “This is new to me. But, hopefully, something will get done soon. I just thought, you work hard on the field and do what you have to do on and off the field, and that’s how you’re supposed to get rewarded.”

If Wilkerson skipped all three days, he would be fined more than $72,000, according to the collective bargaining agreement.

The Jets may have gained some leverage by drafting defensive end Leonard Williams with the sixth overall pick in April.

“He was the best available pick. I definitely look forward to working with him and playing with him in the trenches,” Wilkerson said of Williams.

Wilkerson said has been working out with personal trainers in Atlanta and Maryland.