Dolphins DT Christian Wilkins: 'I've done enough to earn new contract'

As the Miami Dolphins get ready to kick off a season full of big expectations, one the leaders of their team is headed into a big year himself. Defensive tackle Christian Wilkins is entering his fifth season and a contract year. The status of a new contract has been a big storyline throughout the NFL offseason as Wilkins is widely regarded as one of the best at his position. With multiple players at his position receiving big contracts this offseason, Wilkins feels he's done enough to earn his own but won't let the current uncertainty affect his play.

"The biggest thing with that, all that stuff, I just try to focus as much on ball as possible and leave all that other stuff up to the organization and my representation and just control what I can control with my guys and with this team. I definitely feel like I've done enough and done a lot to earn a new deal and a new contract; but again, I'm just focusing on ball and improving every day and just giving my all to this organization and hopefully they'll give their all back to me," said Wilkins.

Wilkins has definitely given his all every time he steps out on the field. He's played in 64 of a possible 66 games in his career showcasing his regular availability and his 98 combined tackles in 2022 were the most by a defensive lineman since 2001. He possesses one of the best motors in football and regularly makes plays all over the field. Wilkins has consistently been one of the highest-graded players in the league at his position and often posts strong pass rushing grades in addition to his always stout run defense grades. 

New defensive coordinator, Vic Fangio has been a fan of Wilkins since he was the head coach of the Denver Broncos, Wilkins was a player the coach liked coming out of the 2019 draft. Fangio recently praised his defender throughout training camp and touted his status in the NFL, saying "with his talent and worth ethic, he’s one of the top players in the league.”

The high regard for Wilkins spans from teammates, coaches and peers across the league, and it's evident that his turn for a new contract is coming. As his stock continues to increase with play that has improved every year, it's clear that he has done enough and that he's a player that Miami would be wise to commit to long-term.