Wilkins is coming off a career-high nine sacks, and his 62 QB pressures were 25 more than his previous career-high, per Next Gen Stats. Earning such outsized stats in a contract year raises questions about whether a player will keep that same drive after being paid.
Wilkins, however, insisted the big contract would not change the approach he’s taken since entering the league in 2019.
“I’ve come a long way definitely since my rookie year in this league,” he said via the team’s official website. “I’ve seen so much, I’ve done a lot, and knowing that and just seeing how far I’ve come always just keeps me hungry. I’m just always trying to be my best, and now you kind of see what experience and wisdom does for you because then now when certain things go on, you’re not rattled, or you can impart that wisdom into a younger guys. I’m just blessed to be in the position I’m in and to be able to do that.”