Miami Dolphins Legion and Legacy
Miami Dolphins’ team captain and defensive tackle, Christian Wilkins, a fifth-year veteran, has built an impressive resume since being drafted from the University of Clemson in 2019. Throughout his career, he has amassed a total of 20.5 quarterback sacks, achieving his highest sack count this past season with 9.0 sacks. Wilkins, a 28-year-old run-stuffing force at 6’4″ and 310 pounds, has consistently proven his effectiveness against the run over the years. It’s evident that his game has seamlessly transitioned from the collegiate level to the NFL.
Dolphins choosing not to franchise tag Christian Watkins and allowing him to become a true unrestricted free agent, has allowed the opportunity for the Minnesota Vikings and defensive coordinator Brian Flores to re-unite with his former first rounder whom he had a great deal in selecting in the 2019 draft with the Dolphins. This would be a prime example of the ideal defensive structure that the Flores defense is set up for. Doing an admirable job in the past Harrison Phillips, the more undersized run stopper has faced obvious and not so obvious challenges with the defensive adjustments and changes to the defensive line the past 2 seasons with the Minnesota Vikings.
Former Minnesota great Dalvin Tomlinson held many similarities and characteristics as Christian Wilkins, and looking towards the contract that was previously signed with the Cleveland Browns for approximately 14.4 million per year. Christian Wilkins is estimated to be valued at 20 million per year or more suitably 80.988 million over 4 years as he is currently ranked as the 7th highest defensive tackle in the NFL. Wilkins would be a healthy addition and added stoutness to the very well preforming Minnestoa Vikings defense from 2023.
The improvement of the Minnesota Vikings almost being ranked dead last in total defense from the 2022 season. Brian Flores and his position-agnostic approach and the flexibility of some players like Josh Metellus being most notable, playing positions like sub linebacker, safety, edge rusher and nickel corner. The Vikings eventually finished the 2023 season ranked 17th win defensive efficiency and 19th in defensive EPA.
The Minnesota Vikings have a long line of elite interior defensive linemen, some notable names such as Kevin Williams, Pat Williams, and even going all the way back to the great John Randle. Very important to note that the Vikings defense had the most defensive snaps (180) without an interior defensive lineman on the field last year. With the possible addition of Christian Wilkins, Brian Flores would then be able to further expand the multiple look defensive scheme that brought previous success that kept the struggling Vikings offense in a majority of their close games.
Plenty of teams will pose as possible suiters for Wilkins this offseason with him becoming a non-restricted free agent. Being one of the more agile big men at his size, he presents a lot of value to any team interested in his future services. Many uncertainties loom over the future on the Vikings defense with many players becoming older. It is possible that Danielle Hunter and Harrison Smith might be parting ways with the team this offseason. And also, the likely departure of Dean Lowry and Jaquelin Roy. There is no doubt that Minnesota is in great need and will make desperate efforts to acquire Wilkins this offseason.