Every offseason there are a few teams that can stake a claim to being winners of the offseason. This year, the Miami Dolphins are one of those teams. After earning a Wild Card spot last season despite some hurdles to overcome at the quarterback position, the Dolphins were aggressive in addressing needs on their roster this offseason.
They had a gaping hole in their passing defense, so they acquired star cornerback Jalen Ramsey from the Los Angeles Rams. Safety DeShon Elliott and linebacker David Long Jr. were both signed in free agency as well, departing the Detroit Lions and Tennessee Titans, respectively.
The Dolphins’ defense is in much better shape now than when their season ended at the hands of the Buffalo Bills during Super Wild Card Weekend. However, there is still some work left to do.
It would be in Miami’s best interest to now take care of how their defense looks in the future. That is why ESPN NFL insider Field Yates believes the one move that the Dolphins have left to do this offseason is working out an extension for defensive tackle Christian Wilkins.
“The Dolphins are deservedly generating plenty of buzz this offseason, as they once again acquired an All-Pro player via trade in Jalen Ramsey. But there’s still in-house business to take care of in extending Wilkins, their 2019 first-round pick who has been the team’s most consistent front-seven player in recent seasons. While tackles can be a misleading stat at some positions, Wilkins’ 187 tackles over the past two seasons align with his high-activity skill set. He just finds a way to perpetually make plays.”
The Clemson product has certainly lived up to the billing of a first-round pick, as he was selected No. 13 overall in 2019. As Yates noted, his activity on a weekly basis is tough to ignore as his tackle numbers have increased and he is always around the ball.
In the last two seasons, Wilkins has recorded 8.0 sacks, 26 tackles for loss, 20 quarterback hits, 13 hurries and nine quarterback knockdowns. We have seen the defensive tackle market explode this offseason and Wilkins has put himself in position to be next in line for one of those deals.
Working out an extension this offseason would certainly benefit the Dolphins. Right now, they could probably sign him to a deal closer to what Dalvin Tomlinson received in free agency than what Javon Hargrave signed.
But, if the Dolphins opt to wait and Wilkins builds upon what he accomplished in 2022, the price tag will inch closer to the $20 million annual average that other top players at the position signed deals for this offseason.
