Olivier Vernon ended up signing with the Giants for five years and $85 million, but he had interest from both teams in New York.

David Canter, the agent for Vernon, told theMMQB.com that the final three teams in the bidding for Vernon were the Giants, Jaguars and surprisingly the Jets. According to Canter, the Jets were willing to give Vernon a five-year deal, but dropped out when the money went over $15 million per year.

This is surprising because the Jets have very little salary-cap space, and were not expected to be in the running for any of the premium free agents.

This could signal the Jets believe they can trade defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson, whom they gave the franchise tag at a price of $15.7 million. There has been speculation the Jets may try to trade Wilkerson after putting the tag on him, simply because it does not appear they have any interest in signing him long term. But it is not easy to pull off a tag-and-trade. The Jets would have to get their desired compensation from the team and Wilkerson and his agent would have to agree to a new contract with the team trading for him.

Wilkerson may not be pleased to see the Jets were willing to pay Vernon after showing no interest in paying him for the past year. It sends a terrible message to Wilkerson that the Jets are willing to pay an outside player, but not him. Wilkerson had 12 sacks last year, while Vernon had just 7.5.

The Jets have until July 15 to work out a long-term deal with Wilkerson or he will play under the tag this season, if he is not traded. He is currently rehabilitating his right leg, which he broke in the team’s final game of the season. He is ahead of schedule and expected to be ready for training camp.

The Jets agreed to a one-year deal with TE Zach Sudfeld, who was scheduled to be a restricted free agent. … The team did not tender P Ryan Quigley, who is now an unrestricted free agent. … Former Raiders WR Rod Streater is scheduled to visit the Jets on Friday, according to a source.