The Miami Dolphins and their star defensive lineman Christian Wilkins failed to agree to terms on a contract extension, but that hasn’t detoured Wilkins from continuing to be one of the leaders in the team’s locker room.
When asked to give his thoughts on the matter, Wilkins made it clear he has shifted his focus with one thing in mind: winning. “I’m just focused on being the best teammate I can be and being there for my guys and getting ready to play a game and get focused on the season,” he said.
Wilkins is in the final year of his rookie contract and has a base salary of $10.7 million for the 2023 season. He has been one of the most important pieces of the Dolphins’ defense since they drafted him with the No. 13 overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft out of Clemson University.
In 2022, Wilkins recorded 98 combined tackles to go along with 3.5 sacks while amassing 16 tackles for loss and seven quarterback hits. Wilkins also deflected six passes as a defensive tackle, making his presence on the defensive line felt even when he is not rushing the passer.
Once talks between Wilkins and the Dolphins stalled, Miami turned their attention to defensive lineman Zach Sieler. Sieler was given a three-year contract extension that keeps him with the team through the 2026 season and could be worth up to $38.65 million as reported by ESPN.
Sieler has been solid since his arrival to the Dolphins and the extension he received is warranted, but it has to feel like a slap in the face for Wilkins. Despite the recent turn of events, Wilkins took to social media to congratulate his teammate on the new contract while stating how “proud” and “happy” he is for Sieler.
