An unexpected big name will be added to the NFL free agent market.
The Dolphins have no plans to franchise defensive tackle to team up with Christian Wilkins. According to a Sunday report from ESPNafter there were indications earlier in the offseason that he would be kept off the market with a one-year deal.
Tuesday is the deadline for NFL teams to use one tag each.
Wilkins, 28, is coming off the best season of his five-year career with career-highs 23 QB hits and nine sacks. He has started all 51 games over the past three seasons.
The former first-round pick has never been an All-Pro or Pro Bowler, but it wouldn’t be surprising if he was seeking a contract near the top of the market, which was set last season.
All four defensive tackles, Quinnen Williams of the Jets, Jeffrey Simmons of the Titans, Daron Payne of the Commanders and Dexter Lawrence of the Giants, signed four-year deals worth at least $87.5 million.
Bengals receiver Tee Higgins and Chiefs cornerback Rajarius Sneed are the first two players expected to be tagged this offseason.
Snead is reportedly making it a priority to reach an extension with defensive tackle Chris Jones first, and is open to a trade with the Chiefs if an extension is not possible.
The defensive tackle’s tag is worth $22.1 million.
According to the Dolphins, they are $31 million over the $255.4 million salary cap. spotluck.commust fall below it by March 13th.
General manager Chris Grier expressed interest in keeping Wilkins at the NFL combine last week.
“I think all options are on the table for us,” Greer said. “I’m just being very transparent about it. He earned [a contract]. he had a great season. So let’s see what happens here as we talk over the next few weeks. ”
