Miami Dolphins: Extending Defensive Lineman Is "A Priority Of Ours"

The Miami Dolphins are reportedly prioritizing a long-term contract extension for defensive tackle Christian Wilkins.

Head coach Mike McDaniel and general manager Chris Grier have both expressed the team's desire to keep Wilkins, who was a first-round pick in 2019, for the foreseeable future.

Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel said extending Christian Wilkins is "a priority of ours." Wilkins is set to play 2023 on his 5th-year option after the team opted to exercise it last offseason. He'd earn $10.8 million in his 5th year, but it sounds the team wants to ink him long-term.

— Dolphins Brawl ™️ (@DolphinsBrawl) March 29, 2023

Wilkins is coming off his best NFL season and is heading into the final year of his rookie contract, making him a prime candidate for an extension.

The 27-year-old recorded 98 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and six passes defended across 17 games played.

While discussions between the Dolphins' front office and Wilkins' agent are ongoing, it seems that both parties are looking for a deal that benefits the individual and the team. If Wilkins were to play this season on his fifth-year option, he would earn a salary of $10.753 million, which would be his salary cap hit.

REPORT:#Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel stated that the Dolphins are working on a contract extension for DT Christian Wilkins.

This past season Wilkins set the single-season record for tackles by a DT by having 98 combined tackles.

Is Wilkins underrated? pic.twitter.com/RaFSyvTr1E

— NFL Notifications (@NFLNotify) March 29, 2023

However, the Dolphins are looking to reduce this number and would prefer to sign him to an extension that includes a significant signing bonus but a smaller 2023 base salary.

With Wilkins' steady improvement and strong performance on the defensive line, it would be in the best interest of both Wilkins and the Dolphins to agree on a lucrative extension.

Wilkins is a former first-round pick (13th overall) by the Marlins in the 2019 NFL Draft. Photo Credit: Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports