One of the top remaining priorities for the Dolphins this offseason is securing the long-term future of their defensive line. That effort will include continued negotiations with defensive tackle Christian Wilkins. 
The 27-year-old is set to play on his fifth-year option in 2023, which will earn him $10.7MM. Negotiations for a multi-year deal worth much more than that began in March, at the onset of an offseason which has seen the DT position’s value rise substantially around the league. That development has no doubt complicated talks in this situation.
A report from last month indicated that little (if any) progress had been made with respect to extension talks. Wilkins has shown his worth throughout his four-year Miami tenure, and he logged a career-high snap share of 84% in 2022. While his skillset is more suited to run defense, the Clemson product has recorded eight sacks across the past two seasons, a figure which will add to his value on a new contract. Working out an agreement this offseason remains his intention.
“Miami is home,” Wilkins said without delving into the specifics of where negotiations currently stand, via Aaron Wilson of KPRC2. “That’s where I got drafted. That’s where I love. That’s where I want to be.”
The Dolphins have not only a new deal for Wilkins to work out, but also one for fellow D-lineman Zach Sieler. Finalizing those pacts will require plenty of attention in the remainder of the offseason, though the availability of running back Dalvin Cook represents an immediate concern as well. Miami currently has $13.6MM in 2023 cap space, but their financial outlook for next year is far more bleak at the moment.
There are thus a number of moving parts to consider in the Wilkins situation. His importance to the Dolphins’ defense – a unit which, under new DC Vic Fangio is facing signficant expectations this season – is well understood, though, and he should remain productive for several years to come given his durability to date in his career. With training camp approaching, it will be interesting to monitor how much traction can be found in contract talks in the coming days.
My Lions would appreciate him if the Dolphins don’t want to pony up.
Wilkins would be a great add for any team. He isn’t a superstar, but he’s the type of solid starter who helps carry the water in the not-so-flashy parts of the game. Any team would be happy to have him line up alongside their pass rushers, as he will give them more opportunities to focus on getting into the backfield.
The Lions would be a great team for Wilkins to slot in to. Detroit has several quicker type pass rushers, but lacks a dedicated big man run stuffer in the middle. I’m not sure who would be on the outs there (the Okwaras, possibly) to give Wilkins a spot on the roster, but strong defensive line play would also help relieve pressure on a young secondary.
I ran out of time, but I wanted to acknowledge Alim McNeill’s good start to his career inside for Detroit. Having a second teammate to help clog up running holes would help Detroit’s extensive but young pass rushing stable get in the backfield even more.
Martin whom we just drafted I expect will end up a practice squad body that we hold onto to save face for making such an atrocious pick when we took him where we did. He’d be the guy to get bumped if we sign/trade for a more legit run stuffer to rotate w/ Buggs, McNeil and those times when Cominsky and Hutch play inside/run stunts. I just really don’t think the Lions are set up well to stop the run, and we’re still especially weak against mobile QB’s and athletic TE’s. If we fail to host a playoff game this year, I wouldn’t be at all surprised if it’s some combination of those 3 defensive weaknesses (IMO), that would be the root cause.
I agree. Cominsky has done a good job stepping as a “dirty work” edge, but McNeill is the only real run stopper. I think that’s part of the reason that Detroit has held on to so many edge players so far, in the hopes that one will solidify a permanent role to help, because of the uncertainty inside with the interior defenders. Either way, I still expect a better defensive effort this year, but there’s a ways to go yet.