Chris Jones is the star of the free agent defensive tackle market, but Christian Wilkins of the Miami Dolphins isn’t too far behind. Ever since joining the team as a first-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, Wilkins has been one of the better defensive tackles in the game and has only improved as his career has progressed. During his fifth year in the league, the Clemson product recorded a career-high nine sacks, 65 tackles, 10 tackles-for-loss, and 23 quarterback hits while starting in all 17 games.
Most analysts believed that the Dolphins would use the franchise tag to keep the first-round pick around for one more season. However, that didn’t happen, and now Christian Wilkins has a clear path to unrestricted free agency. ESPN’s Adam Schefter recently said that Wilkins could earn roughly $24-25 million on the open market, and the Dolphins might not be able to match that offer.
Free Agent Christian Wilkins Expected to Leave Miami Dolphins
Last year at this time, the Miami Dolphins were trying to lock up Christian Wilkins before he ever became a free agent. According to reports, Miami was comfortable paying him top-10 defensive tackle money but didn’t want to hand out a market-setting contract.
The two sides never came to a deal, and Christian Wilkins only raised his free agent asking price with his nine-sack season. As of this posting, the Dolphins are $16.6 million over the 2024 salary cap and will need to make some transactions before they even consider signing Wilkins. Chances are, somebody is going to outbid the Dolphins for his services, and these five teams are the most likely candidates.
Best Team Fits
Houston Texans
The Houston Texans have every reason to go all-in on the next few seasons. There is no bigger competitive advantage than a franchise quarterback on a rookie deal, and the Texans have one of those in C.J. Stroud. With over $62 million in cap space, this team should sign a top-dollar free agent like Christian Wilkins to improve the defensive line. With Will Anderson by his side, these two could be the foundation for one of the better pass rushes in the game.
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears have the chance to completely rebuild their organization in one offseason. While Caleb Williams will help fix the offense, this team could use more help on defense. Montez Sweat is a good first step toward fixing the defense, but they could use another body on the defensive line. With nearly $64 million in cap space, Chicago can sign Christian Wilkins as a free agent without sacrificing their ability to add more talent throughout the roster.
Los Angeles Chargers
While some coaches throughout the league are starting to devalue run defense, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh still believes in building a defense from the inside out. The Chargers haven’t had a good defensive tackle in ages, but Christian Wilkins can fill that need as a free agent. While Los Angeles is a little strapped for cash, they can easily create cap space by releasing veterans like Mike Williams.
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions showed what they can do in 2023, and they’re no longer the lovable underdogs. Now with a clear target on their back, the NFC runner-ups will have to build a competent defense if they want to finish their quest for the Lombardi Trophy. Pairing Christian Wilkins with Aidan Hutchinson as a free agent should go a long way in improving the front seven, and the Lions should have the financial liberty to get the job done.
Kansas City Chiefs
This one only applies if the Chiefs lose Chris Jones in free agency. Jones is arguably the best defensive tackle in the league, and nobody is capable of completely replacing him. With that being said, Christian Wilkins is probably the next best thing, and the Chiefs should be able to afford the free agent once they trade L’Jarius Sneed.
Main Photo: Jim Rassol – USA Today Sports
