Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman Fletcher Cox has signed an extension that reportedly includes $63 million in guaranteed money, which would be the most for any non-quarterback in NFL history. Another defensive lineman playing just up the New Jersey Turnpike was paying attention to that deal.

The New York Jets' Muhammad Wilkerson, who was given the franchise tag by the team, said this to the New York Post about Cox’s deal:

“I think he’s a great player. Do I feel like I’m better than him? Yes. I feel like I’m better than him and whatever (his deal is) I deserve that or better.”

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Wilkerson might be right: He has more sacks, forced fumbles and batted passes than Cox over the last four seasons and has played almost the same percentage of snaps at defensive tackle.

How similar are they?

Wilkerson was selected to his first Pro Bowl last season; Cox was selected to his first Pro Bowl last season.

Wilkerson is 6-foot-4 and 315 pounds according to the team’s official website; Cox is 6-4 and 310 pounds according to his team’s website.

They have both been durable. Wilkerson has played 3,455 snaps since 2012 and missed three games in his career; Cox has played 3,141 snaps since 2012 and missed one game in his career.

Why no extension from the Jets?

Tight squeeze The NFL teams with the least salary-cap space (as of June 15) Saints $551K Redskins $3.36M Steelers $3.59M Jets $3.62M * Source: Roster Management System

Wilkerson was given the franchise tag, guaranteeing him a one-year salary of $15.7 million for the 2016 season.

But he hasn’t signed the tag that would make him the third-highest-paid defensive end this season.

According to the Roster Management System, the only defensive ends who are scheduled to be paid more, based on average annual cash value, are the Giants’ Olivier Vernon at $17 million and the Texans’ J.J. Watt at $16.7 million.

The Jets have the fourth-least salary cap space in the league, and the contract of Darrelle Revis is a major reason why: His cap hit of $17 million in 2016 is the second-highest among defensive players.