Dolphins Told They ‘Can’t Afford to Lose’ Potential $92 Million Free Agent
The Miami Dolphins are in a tough spot when it comes to key defensive free agent Christian Wilkins.
A-to-Z Sports Miami reporters Josh Queipo and Kyle DeDiminicantanio projected that the interior lineman will sign a four year, $92 million contract that includes $50 million guaranteed. At the same time, the Dolphins are currently $51.898 million in the negative according to Over the Cap.
Despite all that, Pro Football Focus analyst Brad Spielberger highlighted Wilkins as the main free agent that Miami “can’t afford to lose” in 2024 free agency.
“Wilkins was the odd man out of the 2019 first rounders who signed marquee extensions this past offseason, and he used that as motivation to have the best pass-rush season of his career,” Spielberger reasoned.
Continuing: “He has always been one of the best run defenders in the NFL and could push the pocket to free things up for other rushers, but his own pass-rush production came in 2023 to the tune of 58 pressures, nine sacks and 16 quarterback hits.”
So, how can the Dolphins retain their top free agent while also shedding the necessary salary to get themselves even again?
Dolphins Would Have to Sign Christian Wilkins to Backloaded Extension
Miami is unlikely to franchise tag Wilkins in 2024. Over the Cap projects a defensive tackle tag value of $19.753 million this spring, and remember, that means a problematic cap charge of the exact same amount.
There’s typically only one way to keep a great player when you don’t have the funds — sign them to a backloaded contract. If Wilkins is extended, the Dolphins could potentially offer more guaranteed money long-term on a deal that begins with a lower cap hit and increases dramatically as the years progress.
