Dolphins Pushed to Target Former $53 Million DT If Christian Wilkins Walks

It’s official: the Miami Dolphins will not use the franchise tag on Christian Wilkins in 2024. This permits the former first-round pick to become an unrestricted free agent on March 13, and NFL source Ari Meirov predicts a “huge market” for him.

Given the Dolphins’ cap difficulties this year, Wilkins could go on the open market. Of course, if that happens, the front office must devise a legitimate strategy to replace him ahead of a win-now campaign.

ESPN staff writer Aaron Schatz proposed bringing in a seasoned stopgap to replace the key defender on March 1, Cincinnati Bengals UFA D.J. Reader.

“Defensive tackles Christian Wilkins, Raekwon Davis and Da’Shawn Hand are free agents this offseason, so the Dolphins are going to need help up front,” Schatz said at the time. Commenting: “Why not steal from another top AFC contender while shoring up the middle of their defense?”
“Reader doesn’t get big stats, but he soaks up double-teams and is an even stronger pass-rusher than he is a run-stopper,” the analyst continued, acknowledging that Miami must assess Reader’s health before pursuing him, as he is coming off a torn quad suffered late in the 2023 season.

D.J. Reader Describes Impactful ‘Bargain-Bin’ Free Agent in 2024
Reader, who turns 30 in July, has 108 career starts for the Houston Texans and Bengals, 12 of which were in the playoffs. He also made a lot of money on his most recent contract — $52.79 million out of $53 million in Cincinnati — and may perhaps negotiate a more team-friendly deal this time around.

On that note, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox branded him a potential “bargain-bin” steal in 2024 in a piece published on February 1.

“Because of both age and injury, Reader may have to settle for a short-term, low-risk contract in 2024,” Knox said forthrightly. “In a free-agent market headlined by Chris Jones, Christian Wilkins, DaQuan Jones and Justin Madubuike [Madubuike has since been franchise-tagged], Reader may be viewed as a second- or third-tier option.”

The analyst went on to say that a Reader signing may be a “real bargain” due to his run-stopping ability, size, and forcefulness on the defensive line.

Pro Football Focus credited Reader with 34 quarterback pressures and 22 key defensive “stops” in 14 games last season. “Teams that need help up front and against the run should be interested in taking a flier on Reader,” Knox voiced, finishing his point.

Dolphins Release LB Jerome Baker After Pay Cut Talks Fall Through
ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter also reported that the Dolphins would be releasing long-time starting linebacker Jerome Baker on March 5.
“The two sides discussed a restructured contract, but couldn’t reach an agreement,” Schefter informed. “The Dolphins left the door open to him coming back if he chooses.”

The veteran cut saves $9.8 million in cap space according to Miami Herald beat reporter Barry Jackson, who relayed one more piece of information on this story.

“Per source, Baker agreed to take a pay cut from his $10.8 million base salary in 2024,” he said, “but the sides could not agree on an exact number of what the pay cut would be.”

The Dolphins are now in danger of losing three key defensive players, with Wilkins, CB Xavien Howard (who was cut after June 1), and Baker’s futures all uncertain. That excludes edge rushers Emmanuel Ogbah (cut) and Andrew Van Ginkel (free agent), safety DeShon Elliott (free agent), and the aforementioned Davis.

Given the current state of affairs, Miami’s defense may be overhauled in 2024 by new defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver.