With the Miami Dolphins likely to lose one of their best run stuffers in DT Christian Wilkins during the upcoming free agency phase soon, it may not take long before Wilkins is signed to his second team since getting drafted in the opening round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
Recent rumors have been circulating that Wilkins — currently an unrestricted free agent after the Dolphins elected to not use the franchise tag — is linked to two AFC and NFC squads.
If the Miami Dolphins Lose Christian Wilkins, Where Is He Going Next?
The heart and soul of Miami’s defense since his arrival in 2019, Wilkins may soon be an ex-Dolphin after failures involving a contract extension dating back to the end of the 2022 campaign. In a recent story published on ESPN, reporters Dan Graziano and Chris Fowler threw in their opinions on what is next for the former first-round choice out of Clemson University.
Two teams Graziano mentioned were the Houston Texans and Detroit Lions, which would make perfect sense for Wilkins to go to as Super Bowl-contending organizations. The Lions were one win away from a trip to the Super Bowl in this past season’s playoffs.
Meanwhile, Fowler mentioned one NFC team that may draw interest to Wilkins: Minnesota Vikings.
If you did not follow the Vikings this past season, their defensive coordinator is very familiar to many in South Florida.
Brian Flores was Wilkins’ head coach from 2019-2021.
“Wilkins’ market is heating up after Miami opted against the franchise tag. Expect at least seven teams to pursue him. The Brian Flores connection in Minnesota is one to watch, but Houston and Cleveland could take swings, too,” Fowler wrote.
Two players at Wilkins’ position, Baltimore’s Justin Madubuike and Kansas City’s Chris Jones, earned ginormous contract extensions recently, putting all of the pressure on Dolphins general manager Chris Grier to attempt a last-second plan to keep Wilkins from hitting the open market.
KEEP READING: NFL Free Agency Tracker 2024
The 2024 league year officially kicks into play on March 13 at 4:00 p.m. ET.
The Dolphins, in general, are at a disadvantage with this because they are currently about $30 million over the salary cap, and although that number will change very soon, Wilkins wants to be paid in the ballpark range of $22-27 million per season.
The Dolphins declining to use the franchise tag this offseason was a near-obvious sign that the two parties are likely heading in the direction of an unfortunate divorce.
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