Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Christian Wilkins has been a mainstay of the team’s defense for the past four years. But as he heads into the final year of his rookie contract, he’s skipping team drills for a pretty obvious reason.
Speaking to the media this week, Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel announced that Wilkins is not participating in team drills amid contract negotiations with the front office. Wilkins has participated in practice but has been skipping team drills.
But McDaniel doesn’t seem overly bothered by the situation.
“Christian is such a good player, such an important person in the locker room, who has made it clear he feels that his play is deserving of a contract,” McDaniel said, via Omar Kelly. “We would agree, as the Miami Dolphins organization. Henceforth, we are in negotiations; as a result, he has not participated in team [drills]. When he next participates, that’ll be up to him.”
“This is part of the business that teams are dealing with.”
Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel confirmed that Christian Wilkins is indeed having a hold-in.
“This is part of the business that a lot of teams are dealing with,” McDaniel said. pic.twitter.com/qOSks7J8FW
— Omar Kelly (@OmarKelly) August 16, 2023
In four seasons, Christian Wilkins has 11.5 sacks, 290 tackles, 33 tackles for loss and 27 QB hits and 17 passes defended in 64 games since going 13th overall in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Dolphins fans want to see the team reach an extension with Wilkins and this could be a sign that he’s on the verge of getting it done.