The Miami Dolphins had to accept a tough reality last offseason when 2019 first round pick Christian Wilkins left the team in free agency. He signed with the Las Vegas Raiders on a 4-year, $110 million contract, which was far too rich for the more cap-strapped Dolphins' blood.
Wilkins proved in Miami that he was one of the most reliable and productive players during his time with the organization. He appeared in every game for Miami every season except in 2020, when he still saw action in 14 games. He was productive year in and year out. He warranted getting paid the big dollars that he did on the market.
However, his 2024 season is a reminder of the dangers of free agency and that injuries - even to the most reliable players - can happen at any time. And it looks like it could be a reminder that carries into the 2025 season as well.
Wilkins is apparently dealing with the aftereffects of a Jfoot injury that could limit his availability in 2025.
According to Sportskeeda editor and NFL Draft analyst Tony Pauline, Wilkins is dealing with the effects of a foot injury that he suffered in Week 5 last year that cut his season short. He suffered a Jones fracture that required surgery. According to Pauline, another procedure might be necessary to help fix it, and that it could cut into the 2025 season.
You have to feel terrible about that for Wilkins, who gave his all and was a key part of the Dolphins' defense for five years. That's a part of the game that's brutal and unforgiving, something the injury-riddled Dolphins know far too well, particularly during McDaniel's three years in charge.
However, as Pauline notes, it could have a ripple effect on what player ends up available for the Dolphins to select at 13 in this week's draft. Pauline sees Michigan DT Mason Graham as more of a consideration for the Raiders at 6 due to Wilkins' injury. That could be a buzzkill for Dolphins fans keen on landing the big Michigan lineman, something that ESPN's Peter Schrager projected this morning in his mock draft.
Regardless, everyone should hope that Wilkins finds his way back onto the field as soon as possible in 2025. And Dolphins fans are hoping that Chris Grier can find a suitable alternative to the giant hole that Wilkins left behind more than one year later.
