The Miami Dolphins understand that their defense needs major improvement if they’re going to make any progress on their hopes for a Super Bowl title. Mike McDaniel is not a renowned defensive specialist, but he knows that the defense needs to be better if they want to have even a sniff at the Lombardi.
One of the areas they need to work on is the defensive line. They already have a talented lineman in Christian Wilkins, but they are now at risk of losing him as reports emerge of the team going back on their initial plan of using the franchise tag to keep him on the team.
Christian Wilkins expected to hit free agency as Miami Dolphins look unlikely to use franchise tag on him
A couple of weeks ago, it was reported that the Miami Dolphins were going to do whatever they could to retain Christian Wilkins. Yesterday however, a new report came out that the team is not expected to use the franchise tag on Wilkins and it’s looking likely that he’ll test free agency. After his best season as a pro, Wilkins is set to cash in big when he hits the open market.
It’s quite shocking that the Dolphins are willing to allow Wilkins to command as big a contract as he would allow when he finished the 2023 season with his first Pro Bowl nod.
Can the Miami Dolphins live without Christian Wilkins?
There are various reasons why they would be hesitant to give him the contract he deserves. A to Z Sports determines a potential contract for the 6’4″, 310-lb defensive lineman from Clemson would command a four-year deal that would see him earn at least $22 million a year.
With such a huge contract, the team may feel that it’s better to let him walk and get a young lineman in the draft who could replace him while they spend the rest of the money on reinforcing other areas of the defense.
However, they are playing a risky gamble by not giving the franchise tag on Wilkins. He’s been one of the most productive defensive linemen in the NFL this season, notching 27 solo tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 9.0 sacks through 17 games.
Miami’s ardent fanbase will be hoping that they find a way to keep him in the team. However, they should also prepare themselves for the worst and see their newly minted Pro Bowler take his talents out of Miami.
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