The Miami Dolphins have been trying to secure a contract extension for standout defensive tackle Christian Wilkins.
Unfortunately, despite Miami clearing cap space on Tuesday, no agreement was reached, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. That would leave Wilkins to play on his fifth-year rookie option in 2023.
Schefter also reported that the guaranteed money structure in the Dolphins’ offer proposals was not what Wilkins and his team were seeking.
Despite the Dolphins clearing salary-cap space today, DT Christian Wilkins and Miami could not agree to terms on an extension. Wilkins’ team was not agreeable to the guarantee structure of the contract proposals, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 29, 2023
Wilkins had been “holding in” during training camp due to his contract status, participating in individual drills but not playing in games.
As of now, Wilkins is not at risk to sit out actual regular season contests, though he is taking some risk playing on the $10.8 million option this season with nothing guaranteed beyond it.
The No. 13 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft out of Clemson, Wilkins has started 60 games and appeared in 64 of a possible 66 in his first four pro seasons.
Last year, he set a career-high in tackles with 98 while adding 3.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. In 2021, Wilkins recorded 89 tackles along with a career-best 4.5 sacks.
The Dolphins will open up the 2023 season against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sept. 11.