Christian Wilkins, the Miami Dolphins defensive tackle, may be on the move in free agency. According to ESPN’s Matt Bowen, the New England Patriots could be a potential landing spot for Wilkins. The Patriots are expected to be active in free agency, and Wilkins’ versatility on the defensive front makes him an attractive option. In 2023, Wilkins had an impressive season with 9 sacks, 35 pressures, and 68 tackles. Bowen believes that pairing Wilkins with Christian Barmore would give the Patriots a formidable duo on the defensive interior. Barmore recorded 8.6 sacks and 64 tackles in the same season, but the Patriots lacked a consistent threat on the defensive line. Wilkins, with his 20.5 sacks and 355 tackles in his career, would bring a wealth of experience to the Patriots’ defense. He has been a reliable player, appearing in all 17 games for the past three seasons, with his only missed games coming in 2020 due to testing positive for COVID-19.
In other news, there are reports that the Miami Dolphins may consider using the tag and trade strategy with Christian Wilkins.
Dolphins Face Steep Price in Battle Against Patriots for Wilkins
In a stunning turn of events, the Miami Dolphins are prepared to go head-to-head with the New England Patriots in a fierce competition for the services of star player Christian Wilkins. The cost? A jaw-dropping $20.2 million per year or a massive 4-year, $80.98 million deal, according to Spotrac. It’s a hefty price tag, but the Dolphins are determined to secure Wilkins’ talents.
While the Dolphins face a daunting task in matching the Patriots’ financial firepower, they are not backing down. Despite being $51.24 million over the salary cap, Miami is determined to make a splash in free agency and address their many needs. It’s a risky move, but one that could pay dividends for the team in the long run.
For Wilkins, a return to his home state of Massachusetts would be a dream come true. Born and raised in the area, Wilkins made a name for himself as a top high school prospect before becoming a star player at Clemson University. His success on the gridiron caught the attention of the Dolphins, who selected him with the 13th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
During his time at Clemson, Wilkins proved himself to be a force to be reckoned with. With 16 sacks and 192 tackles over four seasons, he established himself as one of the premier defensive players in college football. His impressive performance on the field, coupled with his two All-American awards and two national titles, made him an attractive prospect for the Dolphins.
Despite the Dolphins’ investment in Wilkins, his future with the team remains uncertain. General Manager Chris Grier expressed his interest in keeping Wilkins in Miami but acknowledged the challenges they face in contract negotiations. Grier praised Wilkins for betting on himself and securing a lucrative fifth-year option, but the gap between the team’s offers and Wilkins’ expectations proved too difficult to bridge.
As the offseason progresses, the Dolphins will continue to communicate with Wilkins and his representation. Both parties are hopeful for a positive outcome, but nothing is set in stone. Wilkins has earned the right to explore free agency, and the Dolphins will respect his decision.
In the fast-paced world of the NFL, anything can happen. The battle between the Dolphins and the Patriots for Wilkins’ services promises to be a thrilling saga filled with twists and turns. Stay tuned as the story unfolds and the fate of Christian Wilkins hangs in the balance.
According to the Source heavy.com