Steelers are urged to pursue the projected $81 million star.
The Pittsburgh Steelers were not one of the teams debating what to do with their franchise tag for the 2024 NFL season on March 5, but one choice made that day could have an impact on their future.
The Miami Dolphins decided not to put the franchise tag on Christian Wilkins, allowing the standout defensive tackle to test free agency this offseason.
The move surprised everyone because Wilkins has been a standout player for the Dolphins in recent years, and they hadn’t used the tag on anyone else.
Now, teams throughout the league will have the opportunity to add some star power to their rosters.
Steelers Nation’s Stuart Miller-Davis believes Wilkins’ free agency presents an opportunity for the Steelers to capitalize on this offseason.
Wilkins’ Five Strong Years with the Dolphins
Wilkins has been a reliable starter for the Dolphins since they selected him 13th overall in the 2019 draft.
During his debut season, he recorded 56 tackles and two sacks.
However, it wasn’t until his third year in the league that he truly elevated his game.
He recorded 89 tackles in 2021. Ten of them resulted in losses. He also tallied 4.5 sacks and 17 pressures.
The following year, he totaled 98 tackles, 16 of which were for a loss, and 15 pressures.
In 2023, Wilkins was once again a headache for opposing offenses, as he finally found his groove as a pass rusher.
His tackle total decreased, but he still managed to record 10 tackles for loss.
Wilkins was a pass rusher with 9 sacks and 30 pressures.
Wilkins, who has demonstrated his ability to be an asset against both the run and the pass, is going to receive a lot of interest when he enters free agency.
He might not be the best fit for the Steelers in 2024.
Would the move make sense for the Steelers?
At first glance, signing Wilkins appears to be a wonderful move for the Steelers.
They require defensive line reinforcements for the 2024 season, as Larry Ogunjobi’s unsuccessful 2023 season may persuade the team to replace him.
They should also start planning for the future of their D-line. Cameron Heyward will be 35 years old in 2024, and he spent last season dealing with a significant groin injury. Next season may be his last in the league.
The team needs to start planning how they will replace him.
In any case, Wilkins might not be the reply.
To begin with, there’s the fetched. Sportrac right now has Wilkins anticipated to form fair beneath $81 million dollars over four years on his following contract which might really be moo.
It would be a part to spend at a position that isn’t essentially an pressing require for a teaam that doesn’t have a ton of cap space.
The other issue is really Wilkins’ age.
The star DT has as it were played within the NFL for five seasons, but he’s as of now 28 a long time ancient.
Meaning that he may begin appearing signs of decrease some time recently a four-year bargain would come to an conclusion and indeed on the off chance that he doesn’t, the Steelers would likely still discover themselves looking to supplant a star DT again in four a long time.
There’s no address that Wilkins would make the Steelers distant better;a much better;a higher;a stronger;an improved”>a distant better group for the 2024 season, but this move appears like a extravagance that the group essentially can’t manage right presently.