The Miami Dolphins’ defensive line should undoubtedly be a strength of the team once again in 2023, but there’s a glaring remaining task — or two — that should be checked off the to-do list this offseason.
The Dolphins need to reach a long-term extension with standout defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, who is set to play on the fifth year of his rookie contract in 2023 after that option was exercised last offseason. And, in the same breath, it might be in the franchise’s best interest to also reach a deal with fellow defensive tackle Zach Sieler, who similarly heads into a contract year this fall.
The combination of the two 27-year-olds that have blossomed since they were brought together late in the 2019 season could spearhead Miami’s defensive front for years to come.
Both Wilkins and Sieler are under contract through at least the 2023 season. Nose tackle Raekwon Davis, a 2020 second-round pick, enters the final year of his rookie deal. Defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah is aiming for a comeback season after a triceps tear cut his 2022 short.
With that unit in place, the Dolphins still need a formidable backup nose tackle after veteran John Jenkins left in free agency. They could also stand to add another defensive end, but they do possess a strong edge presence between outside linebackers Jaelan Phillips — who put his hand in the ground in his breakout 2020 college season with the Miami Hurricanes that catapulted him into the first round of the 2021 draft — Bradley Chubb, Andrew Van Ginkel and Malik Reed.
In next week’s draft, Miami could add a player at any of their defensive line positions, but it seems more likely the team will use its early picks in Rounds 2 and 3 on other needs like tight end or on the offensive line — or even running back.
In extension talks, it appears something is likely to develop soon with at least Wilkins. When Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel last addressed the subject at the NFL annual meeting in Phoenix last month, he said the two sides are involved in “constant conversations.”
“That’s a priority of ours, and that’s something that a group of people have to work together to do something that makes the most sense for the individual and the team,” McDaniel said. “That process will be steadfast, but it’s a priority of ours. I know [general manager Chris Grier] and [senior vice president of football and business administration Brandon Shore] are working on that, as well as Christian’s representation.”
Wilkins is among the NFL’s most active defensive linemen. His 98 tackles in 2022 were most by any down lineman since at least 1994.
Recent contract extensions other standout defensive tackles have reached could provide an idea for the market: Jeffery Simmons got four years, $94 million with the Titans; Daron Payne got four years, $90 million with the Commanders; Javon Hargrave got four years, $84 million with the 49ers. All of them, however, produce more sacks than Wilkins, the Dolphins’ 2019 first-round pick.
Sieler took a different path to Miami, claimed off waivers in December 2019 from the Ravens, who took him in the seventh round of the 2018 draft. With the Dolphins, Sieler has since produced 180 tackles, 25 for loss, and 10 sacks.
The Wilkins-Sieler combination was a big reason why the Dolphins ranked fourth in rushing defense in 2022, despite having some yardage totals inflated by big games on the ground for opposing dual-threat quarterbacks.
Ogbah will look to rebound after dealing with injury and ineffectiveness in 2022 following back-to-back nine-sack seasons in 2020 and 2021 in Miami.
Davis has not been as productive as one would’ve hoped after the Dolphins used a second-round pick to acquire him out of Alabama in 2020, but he could be motivated by the prospects of the final season of his rookie deal.
Miami also has returning practice-squad defensive tackles Jalen Twyman and Josiah Bronson on the roster. They will compete for a roster spot, along with other big bodies that are sure to be added later in the offseason, either through the draft, the undrafted free agent market or an available veteran to replace Jenkins’ presence.
Previously addressed
Dolphins secondary could be one of NFL’s best in 2023
Are Dolphins done at linebacker after adding David Long inside, Malik Reed outside this offseason?
Who will step up as Dolphins’ third wide receiver option behind Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle?
With just three tight ends on the roster, Dolphins appear likely to draft another
Dolphins still have work to do on offensive line either through draft or later in free agency
Dolphins quarterback breakdown: Mike White, Skylar Thompson to compete behind Tua Tagovailoa
