It’s a hot off-season in the NFL, and Miami’s Christian Wilkins is at the epicenter. With recently reported interest from as many as seven teams, including high-profile names like the Houston Texans and the Detroit Lions, his market is in full swing.
Report: Christian Wilkins market ‘heating up’ as at least 7 teams will pursue him
https://t.co/P3NLUFXxkK— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) March 10, 2024
Now that Chris Jones has confirmed his return to the Kansas City Chiefs with a gentleman’s agreement, it raises crucial questions about where Wilkins might land in the great NFL shuffle.
Influential sportscaster Dan Graziano of ESPN recently flagged both the Houston Texans and Detroit Lions as potential havens for Wilkins.
“After Chris Jones landed a big deal on Saturday night, Miami’s Christian Wilkins is likely to be a hot name, with contending teams such as the Texans and Lions looking to upgrade at that position,”
This news came shortly after Chief’s star Chris Jones sealed a five-year deal promising him a whopping $95 million in the first three years.
Jones’s lucrative deal set a high benchmark in NFL. Meanwhile, it might also have sparked a ripple of interest towards Wilkins, escalating his prominence in the off-season trade fray.
Jeremy Fowler, an ESPN senior NFL writer, holds an expectation of at least seven teams competing for the coveted Clemson University product’s services.
Among these potential bidders, Fowler identifies the Minnesota Vikings as a possible suitor, due in part to the familiar face of Brian Flores.
“Wilkins’ market is heating up after Miami opted against the franchise tag,” Fowler wrote. “Expect at least seven teams to pursue him. The Brian Flores connection in Minnesota is one to watch, but Houston and Cleveland could take swings, too.”
The Miami Dolphins, Wilkins’ current team, might also be a contender in this race, but they face their own issues.
While star receivers like Jarvis Landry and Tyreek Hill showed interest in joining the squad, Miami is currently more focused on their defensive needs.
In the last season, Miami boasted one of the league’s best offenses, but their defense lagged—in points allowed, they ranked in the bottom half.
To bolster their defensive unit, Miami is expected to make significant moves in the upcoming offseason.
Wilkins’s impressive performance for Miami has made him a coveted asset. A product of Clemson University, Wilkins’s skills would add value to any team looking to reinforce their defense.
With the Texans, Lions, and Vikings expected to join the race for Wilkins, the competition for his signature is heating up.
The teams linked with Wilkins will need to make some tough decisions in terms of contract reshuffling to accommodate him.
The willing teams and those tied by their salary cap will keep all eyes on them in this offseason.
As the teams rosters’ reshape and strategize to accommodate their top pick, this offseason promises a true ‘Clash of the Titans’.
Let’s see where Christian Wilkins sails and which team succeeds in bringing him aboard.
