The Miami Dolphins are in one of many worst wage cap conditions within the NFL, so it’s more likely to be a difficult offseason for one of many league’s most enjoyable groups.
There are a variety of robust choices to make, and one of many largest ones is on the coronary heart of the protection.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that a number of league sources expect star defensive sort out Christian Wilkins to hit free company as he ought to keep away from Miami’s franchise tag.
Improvement out of Indy: A number of league sources anticipate #Dolphins’ Christian Wilkins to keep away from franchise tag. Miami supply says holding choices open, however groups bracing for star DT to hit free company.
That and far, way more from @DanGrazianoESPN and mehttps://t.co/DUUbVAlj5b pic.twitter.com/JNbQQifJoa
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 3, 2024
Wilkins had a $10.753 million cap hit in 2023 and is coming off a dominant 9-sack season that ought to put him able to double his wage, one thing that Miami must get inventive to have the ability to afford.
The Dolphins are sitting at $28.485 million over the cap in accordance with Spotrac, which places them second-worst within the league behind the Payments.
For a protection that took an enormous step ahead in 2023, shedding Wilkins could be an enormous blow.
The Dolphins are already tasked with changing star nook Xavien Howard, in addition to having to take care of the unsure timelines of star move rushers Bradley Chubb (torn ACL) and Jaelan Phillips (torn Achilles).
Wilkins has missed simply two video games in his 5 years in Miami.
The Dolphins have till March 5 to use the franchise or transition tag.
If the franchise tag shouldn’t be utilized, the Dolphins nonetheless have unique negotiating rights with Wilkins till March 11 when groups are allowed to begin negotiating with free brokers across the league.
A franchise tag for Wilkins would value Miami $22 million in 2024, a tricky activity given the cap state of affairs. If Wilkins hits free company, his checklist of suitors will likely be so long as anyone’s.
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