Miami Dolphins do not use the franchise tag on DT Christian Wilkins as the deadline passes
As it turns out, the rumblings about the Miami Dolphins and Christian Wilkins were true. The NFL deadline for placing the franchise tag on players expired on Tuesday at 4:00 pm ET, and the Dolphins declined to use the tag on Wilkins. As a result, he can now become a free agent and be able […]
As it turns out, the rumblings about the Miami Dolphins and Christian Wilkins were true.
The NFL deadline for placing the franchise tag on players expired on Tuesday at 4:00 pm ET, and the Dolphins declined to use the tag on Wilkins. As a result, he can now become a free agent and be able to sign with any team. Free agency negotiations are allowed to begin on Monday, March 11.
That's not to say the Dolphins can't still work out something in the eleventh hour. Miami knows very well where Wilkins demands lie, having been in talks about an extension going back to last summer. According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, the lines of communication remain open between both sides with free agency negotiations less than a week away.
Wilkins was drafted by the Dolphins with the 13th overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft. He became a consistent and productive member of the Dolphins' defense over his five years with Miami. He appeared in all 16 games as a rookie, starting 14. After missing two games in 2020, he started every single game over the next three years, providing a healthy and reliable presence amid two injury-ravaged seasons for the Dolphins in 2022-23.
He also proved last year that he could bring down the quarterback, racking up a career high 9 sacks that doubled his previous career high from 2021.
Now, while there is certainly a chance for a reunion, there is also a distinct possibility the Dolphins might have to find a replacement for a big hole in the middle of its defense. One of many that Miami will look to fill beginning next week when free agency kicks off.
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