The Miami Dolphins spent all week clearing cap space, and it’s increasingly likely that they will not bring back free agent defensive tackle Christian Wilkins.
The free agency window officially opens on March 13, and there are plenty of NFL teams expected to be interested in the 28-year-old lineman from Clemson. What are some likely landing spots for him?
Christian Wilkins’ Free Agency Landing Spots
The Dolphins selected Wilkins with the No. 13 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. Since then, he’s become a reliable mainstay on Miami’s defensive line, missing just two games in his five years with the team. Wilkins is a versatile lineman who can line up on the interior or rush the passer from the outside.
Last season, the Dolphins did not extend Wilkins to a long-term contract, making him play on that fifth-year option. He did not disappoint, having a career-high nine sacks and started all 17 games. Now, Wilkins is seeking that long-term payday after the Dolphins reportedly decided not to put the franchise tag on him to remain flexible in free agency.
DeMeco Ryans and Houston Texans Reportedly Interested in Wilkins
According to ESPN, the Texans are a team to watch for Wilkins once free agency opens.
The Texans have ample cap space to afford Wilkins, who will likely be one of the highest-paid defensive players in free agency. Additionally, DeMeco Ryans has publicly addressed the team’s desire to improve the defensive line.
“How can we get the right guys to complement each other and play well off one another because that’s how I see D-Lines play,” Ryans said.
Wilkins would immediately upgrade Houston’s defensive line. Ryans’ scheme relies greatly on dominant interior pressure, and Wilkins could provide just that.
Could Minnesota Vikings Rebuild Defense Around Wilkins?
The Minnesota Vikings are in a very weird spot this offseason, as they are way too talented to just completely rebuild.
They have a superstar wide receiver in Justin Jefferson, a solid offensive line, and good complementary pieces offensively like T.J. Hockensen and youngster Jordan Addison. It’s unlikely that free agent quarterback Kirk Cousins remains with the Vikings, so they’ll need to address that, and the defense needs a massive overhaul.
Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores was Wilkins’s head coach with the Dolphins for his first three seasons in the NFL. If they don’t retain Cousins, adding Wilkins to their struggling defense is a great place to spend money.
Could Wilkins Reunite With Clemson Star Deshaun Watson on Cleveland Browns?
Last season, the Cleveland Browns had one of the best defenses in the NFL with Jim Schwartz at the helm.
Wilkins and Deshaun Watson headlined the 2016 Clemson Tigers who won a national championship. Watson and Wilkins share an agent, David Mulugheta, and the Browns could kill two birds with one stone, reworking Watson’s contract while adding the dominant Wilkins to their defense.
Key members of the Browns’ defensive line including Za’Darius Smith, Shelby Harris, Mo Hurst, and Jordan Elliot are all pending free agents.
Christian Wilkins’ Market Value, Career Stats, and More
After a career year in 2023, Spotrac gives Wilkins a market value of just over $20 million per year, projecting he receives a deal somewhere around four years for $80.9 million. That would make him the seventh highest-paid defensive tackle in the NFL.
Having played over 80 games in his career with the Dolphins, Wilkins has the experience needed for a team to feel comfortable paying him that deal.
KEEP READING: NFL Free Agency Predictions — Cowboys Land Derrick Henry, Chiefs Sign Gabe Davis
Christian Wilkins’ Career Stats:
- Combined Tackles: 355
- Solo Tackles: 204
- Assisted Tackles: 151
- Tackles For Loss: 43
- Interceptions: 1
- Sacks: 20.5
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