Report: Dolphins now expected not to franchise tag DL Christian Wilkins

Miami now NOT expected to franchise tag their star defensive lineman.

The pre-free agency landscape around the NFL is ever-changing as more discussions are had and information is shared before the new league year starts.

Less than two weeks ago ESPN’s Dan Graziano reported that the Dolphins didn’t plan on letting defensive lineman Christian Wilkins leave, even if that meant using the franchise tag on him.

But now, after speaking to many at the combine, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler shared a new report (ESPN+ subscription required) that makes it seem that the franchise tag isn’t a likely option for Miami.

Here’s what Fowler wrote Sunday morning:

“While Miami’s stance is that all options are on the table for defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, several league sources say he probably won’t be franchise-tagged. That would put a big-time tackle who had 63 tackles and nine sacks in 2023 on the market.”

The Dolphins have already released Emmanuel Ogbah and told Xavien Howard they’ll be moving on from him this offseason. It also wouldn’t be surprising to see Jerome Baker released to save more money as they need it. If Wilkins doesn’t return, those are four huge changes for this defense that already struggled down the stretch last year.

On top of that, Wilkins isn’t the only interior defensive lineman that Miami may be losing, as Raekwon Davis and Da’Shawn Hand are expected to be free agents as well. That would leave just Zach Sieler, who received an extension last year and undrafted free agent Brandon Pili, who finished the 2023 season on the practice squad.

The Dolphins have paid a few players who have succeeded elsewhere before playing a snap for their team in recent years (Tyreek Hill, Bradley Chubb and Jalen Ramsey), and not paying one of their homegrown stars could send the wrong message to the locker room. However, this is what happens when you spend so much on top-tier talent in recent years.

UPDATE: NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport has reported that the team won’t use their tag on Wilkins.