The first significant deadline of the 2024 offseason approaches the Miami Dolphins. The deadline for teams to use the franchise or transition tag for the year is Tuesday, March 5, even though the “legal tampering period” and the formal start of free agency are taking place the following week. What action will the Dolphins take before the deadline tomorrow?
You have had the opportunity to cast your vote on whether Miami should utilize a tag on a player, let him walk away in free agency, or re-sign any of the 29 players from Miami’s 2023 roster who are about to become unrestricted free agents as we have been going through their roster. Christian Wilkins, a defensive tackle, is arguably the only guy who may be targeted right now.
The Dolphins don’t seem to be considering making that move, though. Perhaps part of that is the desire to work up a long-term agreement with Wilkins in its place. It might also have to do with Miami’s salary cap predicament; when the new league year starts on March 13 at 4 p.m. ET, they are expected to be $29 million over the $255.4 million cap.
We are now examining each of the Dolphins’ upcoming free agents in our “Walk, Tag, Re-Sign” series, as we do every year. We dissect the player’s previous season’s performance and project future developments. After that, you have the opportunity to cast your vote in the poll at the bottom of the post to let us know what you think the Dolphins should do. Please feel free to discuss their future with the team in the comments section as well.
Eli Apple, Braxton Berrios, Andrew Van Ginkel, Salvon Ahmed, Brandon Jones, and Chase Claypool are the people who were involved in the walk, tag, and re-sign exercises.
An autobiography
Wilkins, Christian
Age (at start of season): 28
Draft: Miami Dolphins, 13th overall in the first round of the 2019
Five years of experience
Former Groups:
Dolphins of Miami (2019–2023)
Pro Bowls/None for All-Pro:
Contract Expiration: Five-year, $26.2 million (includes fifth-year option for first-round draft selection)
Review of the entire 2023 season (combining the Bears and Dolphins):
17 games completed (17 starts)
65 tackles
two interceptions, one forced fumble
Two poor comebacks
9.0 sacks
Talks over a contract extension between Wilkins and the Dolphins continued throughout training camp during the previous offseason. Wilkins “held-in” in the camp, providing daily reports but abstaining from drills while the parties carried on their conversation. Wilkins played the season on the team’s fifth-year option for a first-round rookie as no deal was ever negotiated. Wilkins took a risk on himself since he knew that if he had a great 2023, he might be regarded as one of the best defensive tackles this season. He reached nine sacks, more than doubling his previous career high. He was unruly and obviously the winner of the wager.
Despite not having as many tackles as he did in 2022 (98), Wilkins’ 2023 season qualified him for offseason pay.
2024 Prospects
If the Dolphins are unable to get Wilkins back to South Florida, he is considered to be among the best free agents and might become available the following week. Jeremy Fowler reports that the Dolphins do not anticipate using the franchise tag on Wilkins. But since he is an important member of the Miami defense and might get offers Miami cannot match if he were to hit the open market, it is a possibility they must take into account. Despite not being chosen for the Pro Bowl, Wilkins is a prime player who will always be in demand. He is an all-star and All-Pro caliber player.
Stroll, Tag, Should You Resign?
Sign again. The Dolphins must do everything in their power to retain Wilkins. It’s difficult given the existing pay cap, but a solution must exist. Losing Wilkins will be felt both on the field and among fans. Perhaps the organization and Wilkins’ camp have an understanding whereby Wilkins can see what the market says and Miami will be able to match it. The only benefit Wilkins could have from switching teams is that Miami might receive a high compensatory draft pick in 2025.
