NFL Speculation: Miami Dolphins’ Christian Wilkins’ Stock Rising Following Chris Jones’ Contract Signing

After the Kansas City Chiefs inked defensive tackle Chris Jones to a fresh five-year contract, several other teams are purportedly shifting their focus to the top remaining free-agent defensive tackle.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports that the market for Miami Dolphins standout Christian Wilkins “is intensifying after Miami chose not to utilize the franchise tag. Anticipate at least seven teams vying for his services.”

Fowler highlights Wilkins’ association with former Dolphins head coach Brian Flores, who now serves as defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings, making Minnesota “one to keep an eye on.” He also suggests that the Houston Texans and Cleveland Browns “might also make a play.”

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reveals that Jones agreed to a five-year deal with a staggering $95 million guaranteed over the initial three years alone. With the highest average annual salary for a defensive tackle in NFL history, Jones’ contract could serve as a benchmark for Wilkins’ negotiations.

Selected 13th overall in the 2019 NFL draft, Wilkins swiftly established himself as a pivotal asset in the Miami defense. He has maintained a streak of starting all 17 games in each of the past three seasons, culminating in a standout 2023 campaign with a career-best 9.0 sacks, alongside 65 total tackles, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.

Losing Wilkins would undoubtedly deal a significant blow to the Dolphins, underscoring the risk they took by opting against using the franchise tag. At 28 years old, Wilkins possesses the potential to make a substantial impact on any defensive line, prompting numerous teams to express interest.