National NFL reporter adds fuel to growing belief regarding the Dolphins and Christian Wilkins
The Miami Dolphins and defensive tackle Christian Wilkins have been engaged in a staring contest going back to the 2023 offseason, and neither side has been willing to blink. As such, the distinct possibility exists that the Dolphins will place the franchise tag on their 2019 first round pick before the March 5 deadline to […]
The Miami Dolphins and defensive tackle Christian Wilkins have been engaged in a staring contest going back to the 2023 offseason, and neither side has been willing to blink.
As such, the distinct possibility exists that the Dolphins will place the franchise tag on their 2019 first round pick before the March 5 deadline to do so, affording the sides a continued opportunity to work towards a long-term deal.
That belief was reinforced by ESPN's Dan Graziano, who joined NFL Live on Thursday regarding the Dolphins' plans with Wilkins.
"The Dolphins don't plan to let Christian Wilkins leave, and if that means franchising him, that's likely what they'll do," Graziano said. "The problem is, the Dolphins are in pretty big cap trouble. As of right now, they're projecting to be $50 million or more over the cap once that cap is finally settled. And they would have to clear that much room to get under the cap, and if they tag Wilkins, they've got to clear another $20 or 21 million to get him under the cap. So a lot of work to do before they can do that. They might be better off signing him long term before the window ends."
The Dolphins have to clear around $52 million by the time the new league year begins on March 13. That's to say nothing about the additional space they'll need to create to sign free agents and pay their draft class.
A new contract with Wilkins would allow them to use void years and deferred money to keep the 2024 cap hit minimal as they work to add pieces to their offensive line and secondary.
If the Dolphins and Wilkins haven't worked something out by March 5, then fans can expect to see Wilkins receive the tag to keep their talented defender in town.
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