Miami Dolphins make big move to secure Christian Wilkins

The Miami Dolphins made a big move ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft to lock in former Clemson defensive tackle Christian Wilkins for another season. The Dolphins opted to exercise their fifth-year option for their former first-round pick, keeping him in the Aqua and White through 2023.

Following the move, NFL Network reporter Cameron Wolfe provided insight into how the Miami organization views Wilkins’ importance to the team.

“The Dolphins are exercising the 5th year option on DT Christian Wilkins, per source,” Wolfe tweeted. “Miami views Wilkins as a foundational player for their defensive identity with his energy and work ethic. A lot of steady improvement since being drafted including a strong 2021 campaign.”

In 2021, Wilkins tied Pittsburgh Steelers star Cameron Heyward for most tackles by a DT with 89 tackles. He also added 4.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, 13 quarterback hits and a forced fumble.

Coming out of Clemson, Wilkins went 13th overall to Miami in the 2019 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year, $15.4 million rookie deal with all guaranteed money. His fifth-year extension banks him almost as much – $10.75 million for the 2023 season.

Dolphins extend Wilkins through 2023

In his three-year NFL career, Christian Wilkins has totaled 192 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, eight sacks, two fumble recoveries and 11 passes defended.

Wilkins is a former On3 Consensus five-star recruit. He played at Clemson from 2015-2018, where he racked up 192 tackles, 40.5 tackles for loss, 16 sacks, 15 passes defended, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. While at Clemson, Wilkins did end up finding the end zone on multiple occasions. He tallied two rushing touchdowns as a senior in 2018, adding a one-yard touchdown reception in 2016.

His strong season as a senior led to Consensus All-American honors.