Before joining the Packers, Wilkerson visited many teams after the 2017 season, including a visit to Redskins Park to meet with Jay Gruden.

Wilkerson played for the Jets from 2011-2017, and has been named to the All-Pro team twice and to the Pro Bowl once in 2015. However, his last two seasons have been below his performance standard, recording 4.5 sacks in 2016 and 3.5 sacks in 2017, compared to his 18.0 combined sacks in the 2014-2015 seasons.

Packers current defensive coordinator Mike Pettine was Wilkerson's defensive coordinator for two seasons in New York and has helped Wilkerson improve his game which led to him recording 10.5 sacks in 2013 and 12 sacks in 2015. However, the Redskins defensive line is coached by Jim Tomsula, who has gained the respect as one of the top d-line coaches in the NFL.

In his career, Wilkerson has recorded 498 tackles (324 solo), 44.5 sacks, two interceptions, 26 passes defended, 10 forced fumbles and a fumble recovery that he returned for a touchdown in 101 career games.