The Dolphins’ talented defensive line tandem should be kept together for the upcoming season and future years.
Only two NFL teams remain concerned about the current season: the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs, who will face off in Super Bowl LVIII this weekend. The rest of the NFL is in full offseason gear, with teams making important decisions that shape their lineups.
One such dilemma for the Miami Dolphins involves the future of defensive lineman Christian Wilkins, who is a key member of the team’s defense and an even bigger part of its locker room.
However, when it comes down to it, the decision isn’t all that difficult. The Dolphins should not let Wilkins, who is about to become a free agency, go elsewhere. For reasons that go far beyond statistics, the 2019 first-round pick should remain in Miami for the rest of his career.
The Dolphins face difficult decisions in the coming months, but signing Christian Wilkins should not be one of them.
Leadership That Can’t Be Quantified
Most would argue that the Dolphins’ most crucial offseason decision is whether or not to extend quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, especially because they have all of the cards and can kick the can down the road.
Tagovailoa has signed for the 2024-2025 season. He can be franchised later if the team so desires. By then, the team should have a better understanding of whether Tagovailoa is a legitimate All-Pro leader worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
Wilkins has provided answers to those questions. He excels at what he does, recording a career-high nine sacks last season, but he is not under contract for 2024.
Wilkins’ most essential contribution to the Dolphins is his embodiment of leadership. He’s the primary character. He has no trouble making it known. He is also eager to inform the rest of the crew.